Department of Transportation: sale of excess state highway property.
The amendments specified in SB 1454 include changes in procedures for selling or exchanging highway property. One notable aspect is the provision of more accessible terms for properties sold for the purpose of developing housing for low- and moderate-income families. The payment period for such sales can extend up to 40 years with a lower down payment requirement, making these transactions more feasible for community development projects that target affordable housing needs.
Senate Bill 1454, introduced by Senator Durazo, proposes amendments to Section 118 of the Streets and Highways Code, primarily relating to the sale and exchange of excess state highway property. The bill maintains that the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) will continue to have the authority to sell or exchange real property acquired for highway purposes when it is no longer deemed necessary for those functions. Although primarily a technical amendment, it emphasizes the procedures that must be followed for such sales and exchanges.
While SB 1454 seems to provide more flexibility for local public agencies and organizations focusing on affordable housing, the bill may also lead to contention over the use of state land. Some stakeholders may argue that the expansive authority to sell state highway property could undermine local land use planning or priorities if not regulated properly. Ensuring that these transactions consider community needs and the long-term usability of such properties remains a point of concern.
Overall, while SB 1454 seeks to streamline the processes involved in managing excess state highway property, it also poses a challenge in balancing state-level control with local interests in housing and land use.