California Senate Bill SB529 Latest Draft

 BILL NUMBER: SB 529AMENDED BILL TEXT AMENDED IN SENATE APRIL 14, 2015 INTRODUCED BY Senator Pan FEBRUARY 26, 2015 An act  to amend Section 99152 of the Public Utilities Code,  relating to  transportation.   transportation, and making an appropriation therefor.  LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST SB 529, as amended, Pan.  Public transit.   Transportation funding: Downtown/Riverfront Streetcar Project.   Existing law provides various sources of funding for transportation projects.   This bill would appropriate $10 million from the General Fund to the Downtown/Riverfront Streetcar Project, connecting Sacramento to West Sacramento, for use in funding the development of the project.   Existing law provides that any public transit guideway that is planned, acquired, or constructed on or after January 1, 1979, is subject to regulation by the Public Utilities Commission relating to safety appliances and procedures. That law additionally requires the commission to inspect all work done on those guideways, authorizes the commission to make further additions or changes necessary for the purpose of safety to employees and the general public, and requires the commission to develop an oversight program employing safety planning criteria, guidelines, safety standards, and safety procedures to be met by operators in the design, construction, and operation of those guideways.   This bill would make nonsubstantive revisions to the above-described law.  Vote:  majority  2/3  . Appropriation:  no   yes  . Fiscal committee:  no   yes  . State-mandated local program: no. THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:  SECTION 1.   The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:   (a) The City of Sacramento, the City of West Sacramento, the Sacramento Regional Transit District, the Yolo County Transportation District, and the Sacramento Area Council of Governments are planning for the development of the Downtown/Riverfront Streetcar Project connecting Sacramento to West Sacramento.   (b) The project will provide an estimated economic impact of over $5.1 billion and will promote economic confidence and serve as a catalyst for sustainable types of office, commercial, and residential development.   (c) The project will provide an essential link from neighborhoods to downtown Sacramento, shopping, the arts community, sporting events, and educational institutions.   (d) The project will contribute toward a thriving, 24-hour community, attracting sustainable development, employment, entertainment, and artist pursuits.   (e) The project will strengthen downtown neighborhoods in West Sacramento and Sacramento and concentrate urban services. This will conserve energy, reduce the need for expensive infrastructure, protect air quality, and make the two cities more livable.   (f) The project will not require separation from automobile traffic, is human in scale, will not disrupt on-street parking, will not require special platforms, and will reduce emissions.   SEC. 2.   The sum of ten million dollars ($10,000,000) is hereby appropriated from the General Fund to the Downtown/Riverfront Streetcar Project for use in funding the development of the project.   SECTION 1.   Section 99152 of the Public Utilities Code is amended to read: 99152. (a) Any public transit guideway planned, acquired, or constructed, on or after January 1, 1979, is subject to regulations of the Public Utilities Commission relating to safety appliances and procedures. (b) The commission shall inspect all work done on those guideways and may make further additions or changes necessary for the purpose of safety to employees and the general public. (c) The commission shall develop an oversight program employing safety planning criteria, guidelines, safety standards, and safety procedures to be met by operators in the design, construction, and operation of those guideways. Existing industry standards shall be used where applicable. (d) The commission shall enforce the provisions of this section.