OCTA Awards Millions to Upgrade Local Streets

Cities, including Laguna Niguel, will see an influx of dollars to improve their streets and roads following the Orange County Transportation Authority board’s approval last week of funding for 54 projects.

In Laguna Niguel, the city will receive $412,725 for the La Paz Road pavement rehabilitation from Kings Road to Aliso Creek Road. With the city’s matching funds, the project totals $825,450, reports OCTA.

"Our residents understand the benefit of investing local dollars in transportation and because they renewed Measure M in 2006, we were able to capture millions of dollars in state funds,” said OCTA Chair also the mayor of Laguna Niguel. “This money will be matched with Measure M2 dollars and spread throughout the county to improve local streets and roads.”

Every Orange County city and the county will receive a share of $21 million for improvements that are expected to be under construction by the middle of next year. The projects range from street rehabilitation to pavement repair to a bicycle trail reconstruction.

Thirty-five Orange County agencies submitted applications for the funds, which are available through a grant program as part of the Proposition 1B bond that provides nearly $20 billion for transportation improvements throughout the state. The funds require dollar-for-dollar matching funds that must be provided through a local transportation sales tax, such as Orange County’s Measure M2.

Of the 87 applications that were submitted, 54 projects were approved by OCTA for funding. The projects need final approval from the state.

In Aliso Viejo, the city will receive $318,000 for the Aliso Creek Road rehabilitation project between Enterprise and Pacific Park Drive. With the city’s matching funds, the project totals $641,000.