State highways: bypasses of a city or business district.
One of the key provisions of AB 1470 is that it allows cities or counties to receive funding from an unspecified account for revitalization efforts related to the loss of tourism business caused by highway relocations. This funding mechanism is intended to help local economies adapt to the changes in traffic patterns and ensure that businesses are not adversely affected. This reflects an acknowledgment of the critical role tourism plays in sustaining local economies, especially for areas that might lose foot traffic due to a highway bypass.
Assembly Bill 1470, introduced by Assembly Member Wood, seeks to amend Section 100.9 of the Streets and Highways Code regarding state highways and their impact on cities and business districts. The bill outlines the responsibilities of the Department of Transportation when a state highway is relocated to bypass a city or business district. Specifically, it mandates the erection and maintenance of appropriate directional signage to guide traffic wishing to enter these areas. This requirement aims to provide continued access to businesses located in these districts, thereby mitigating the potential negative economic effects resulting from the relocation of traffic arteries.
Notably, the bill emphasizes the importance of maintaining access to the bypassed areas, which has become a point of contention among various stakeholders. Supporters argue that such measures are crucial to ensure that local businesses can thrive despite infrastructural changes. However, some opponents may view the bill's provisions as insufficient or may question the adequacy of the proposed funding mechanism. Furthermore, determining the criteria for eligibility for revitalization funding could lead to disputes among cities and counties, with concerns over fairness and equitable distribution of resources.