Caltrans seeks $25 million to expand Clean California grants; analysts question using general fund

Steven Keck of the California Department of Transportation told the assembly that Caltrans seeks a one‑year $25,000,000 increase in general fund operating expense to establish the Clean California Community Cleanup and Employment Pathway Grant Program.

Keck said the program would build on the prior Clean California initiative by awarding competitive grants to local entities for litter and graffiti cleanup; a central goal is to tie cleanup work to workforce development for vulnerable populations. “The grant program will leverage local funding to support litter and graffiti abatement, foster community engagement, and create career pathways for individuals overcoming employment barriers,” Keck said.

The Legislative Analyst’s Office recommended rejecting the proposal, citing limited general fund availability and arguing that local litter abatement is not a core state responsibility. Frank Jimenez of the LAO said one‑time general fund spending is unlikely to address persistent local litter problems and that the legislature should prioritize state core responsibilities such as maintaining state highways and infrastructure.

Department of Finance and administration witnesses defended the proposal’s ability to leverage local matches and extend the earlier Clean California benefits. Benjamin Pollack of Finance said the program could maximize value through local matching and foster community pride.

Committee members noted competing priorities. Assemblymember Connolly asked why the state should add a new general fund program when litter cleanup of state rights‑of‑way is sometimes a Caltrans responsibility; Caltrans staff said on‑ and off‑ramps are generally Caltrans’ responsibility and that the proposed grants primarily target local streets and public spaces, leveraging relationships formed under the prior Clean California work. Keck noted Caltrans has increased its own highway litter cleanup activity, including twice‑a‑month “litter stand downs” for maintenance crews.

Several public commenters spoke in support of programs that pair litter abatement with workforce development. A representative for Rediff and the Butte County “Back to Work” program said the state’s prior investments supported crews that employ people facing employment barriers and urged the committee to direct funding to preserve those crews rather than create a new untested grant vehicle. Other advocates — including cycling, walkability, and public‑health organizations — used the public comment period to press the legislature for additional funding to related active‑transportation programs and transit stabilization (see related article).

No vote was taken; members signaled concern about budget tradeoffs and asked Caltrans and the administration to coordinate with the subcommittee on alternatives and implementation guidance.