State needs plan to upgrade roads, rail.Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger Arnold Alois Schwarzenegger (German pronunciation (IPA): [ˈaɐ̯nɔlt ˈaloɪ̯s ˈʃvaɐ̯ʦənˌʔɛɡɐ] has a golden opportunity to provide the sort of leadership and vision that has been lacking among the current generation of California leaders. If signed by the governor, Senate Bill 275 would require the California Transportation Commission, working with Caltrans and others, to prepare by October 2006 a 10-year assessment of statewide transportation investment needs and mandate follow-up reports every 10 years thereafter. The commercial ports that dot the coastline are engines for our state's economy. And their ability to compete depends on access to a functional, efficient transportation network. I am not making news by pronouncing pro·nounc·ing adj. Relating to, designed for, or showing pronunciation: a pronouncing dictionary. the current condition of our transportation network distressed and in desperate need of attention and investment. The leaders of our state are aware of this crisis. The governor and top legislators have proclaimed pro·claim tr.v. pro·claimed, pro·claim·ing, pro·claims 1. To announce officially and publicly; declare. See Synonyms at announce. 2. transportation will be a No. 1 priority in 2006. But any effort will be hampered by a lack of comprehensive information on the state's true needs for transportation investment. Nothing will be accomplished if money is spent without being properly prioritized and targeted. And unfortunately, the only transportation needs assessment available is 6 years old and also suspect in its methodology. It is obvious that now is the time for a new assessment and SB 275 provides the vehicle by which this process can commence. So what is the problem? Caltrans and the state Department of Finance have both opposed SB 275. Evidently they have an aversion a·ver·sion n. 1. A fixed, intense dislike; repugnance, as of crowds. 2. A feeling of extreme repugnance accompanied by avoidance or rejection. to shining light on the situation and prefer to continue to grope in the dark as to the magnitude of our transportation investment shortfall Shortfall The amount by which the capital required to fulfill a financial obligation exceeds available capital. Notes: Shortfall risk is often combated with an efficient hedging strategy created by a fund, group, institution, or individual. . Hopefully the governor will not allow himself to be swayed sway v. swayed, sway·ing, sways v.intr. 1. To swing back and forth or to and fro. See Synonyms at swing. 2. by timorous bureaucrats and do the right thing by signing SB 275. Knowledge is a good thing; how can anyone support continued ignorance about such a vital issue? Dana Gabbard is executive secretary of Southern California Southern California, also colloquially known as SoCal, is the southern portion of the U.S. state of California. Centered on the cities of Los Angeles and San Diego, Southern California is home to nearly 24 million people and is the nation's second most populated region, Transit Advocates and a daily user of public transit. |
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