Federal Transportation Bill Lays Tracks for More Jobs in Orange County

The Orange County Transportation Authority applauded congressional leaders and U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Chairman John Mica (R-Fla.) today for laying the groundwork for America’s transportation future by releasing the federal transportation reauthorization bill.

The bill outlines $260 billion in funding over the next four and half years for transportation projects along with changes to current programs and processes. 

In Laguna Niguel, that may include improvements to the I-5 from the SR-73 toll roads to El Toro, a project currently in the environmental phase.

Key provisions in the bill include breaking down bureaucratic barriers to help expedite project delivery and by making the environmental review process more efficient, integrating planning and programming approaches and delegating the responsibility for environmental review to states.

“Investing in our transportation systems is essential to ensuring our country’s prosperity,” said OCTA Chairman and Laguna Niguel Mayor Paul Glaab. “This bill puts America on the right track to making much-needed transportation improvements while creating jobs that pay well.”

OCTA officials thanked Chairman Mica for including elements in the bill that streamline the project delivery process and encouraged Congress to ensure necessary process changes, such as those identified in the Breaking Down Barriers initiative, are included.

“Infrastructure projects are one of the best ways to create jobs and keep America moving, but there are many barriers that add significant delays,” said OCTA Director and Tustin Councilmember Jerry Amante. “We can break through those barriers by supporting the accelerated project delivery provisions outlined in this transportation bill.”

Breaking Down Barriers is a national initiative led by OCTA to expedite project delivery, without sacrificing the environment, and to accelerate the creation of more than 800,000 jobs in the U.S.