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Read Governor’s Proposals to Speed-Up Infrastructure and Share Feedback with CSDA

By Vanessa Gonzales posted 05-22-2023 04:26 PM

  
On Friday, May 19, Governor Gavin Newsom announced new permitting and project reforms, called “Build More, Preserving Jobs” or “BUILD”. Details for his proposal are outlined below. The Governor has released Budget Trailer Bill Language (TBL) on ten proposals and is seeking passage in conjunction with the State Budget process. Your feedback on these proposals is critical to CSDA as we analyze and consider our positions on behalf of our membership.

During his press conference, the Governor previewed his proposal and its goal of cutting project timelines by three or more years, saving the state and local governments hundreds of millions of dollars, reducing paperwork, creating 400,000 jobs, and meeting state climate goals. The Governor also signed Executive Order N-8-23 intended to accelerate clean infrastructure projects.

Governor Newsom’s proposed legislative package and executive order aim to achieve the following objectives:

·        Enhance Construction Efficiency:

The current procurement process for construction often leads to delays and increased costs for projects. The Governor’s proposal seeks to introduce a streamlined approach to project delivery, reducing timeframes and expenses associated with construction. 

·        Expedite Judicial Review:

Legal challenges frequently cause significant delays for projects, even after they have successfully undergone the required environmental review process. These proposals would authorize a faster judicial review process to prevent lengthy delays while preserving the environmental and government transparency of California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).  

·        Streamline Permitting:

Several modifications to California law will be implemented to expedite the permitting process for specific projects. These changes aim to reduce delays and project costs associated with obtaining permits.  

·        Address CEQA Procedures:

The proposals include the simplification of procedures concerning document retention and review to streamline the overall process governed by CEQA. 

·        Optimize Federal Funding:

The establishment of Green Bank Financing Program within the Climate Catalyst Fund will enable the state to leverage federal funds for climate projects that effectively reduce pollution. The program will prioritize projects benefiting low-income and disadvantaged communities.  

·        Strike Teams:

The Governor announced the creation of state agency strike teams to help keep the “BUILD” initiative goals on track. 

Details for each of the Governor’s proposals, with full budget trailer language, is available through the links below. Please send your feedback to CSDA Legislative Representative Heidi Hannaman via email to heidih@csda.net:

·        Administrative Records Review

o   Fact Sheet

o   Trailer Bill Language

·        CEQA Judicial Streamlining

o   Fact Sheet

o   Trailer Bill Language

·        Green Financing Programs for Federal Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) Funding

o   Fact Sheet

o   Trailer Bill Language

·        Accelerating Environmental Mitigation

o   Fact Sheet

o   Trailer Bill Language

·        National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Delegation Authority

o   Fact Sheet

o   Trailer Bill Language

·        Direct Contracting (Public Private Partnership Authority 1-15 Wildlife Crossings)

o   Fact Sheet

o   Trailer Bill Language

·        Job Order Contracting

o   Fact Sheet

o   Trailer Bill Language

·        Progressive Design-Build Authority for CalTrans and DWR

o   Fact Sheet

o   Trailer Bill Language

·        Fully Protected Species Reclassification

o   Fact Sheet

o   Trailer Bill Language

·        Delta Reform Act Streamlining

o   Fact Sheet

o   Trailer Bill Language

Governor Newsom placed significant emphasis on the infusion of $180 billion in investments into the state through various programs, including the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Senate Bill 1 (2017) Road Repair and Accountability Act, and other related initiatives. The Governor further noted that this comprehensive plan was developed over the course of a year, with consideration given to local community interests, environmental considerations, and labor concerns.

In addition to the Governor, former Los Angeles Mayor and current Infrastructure Advisor Antonio Villaraigosa noted that a crucial step towards enhancing the building process is to reduce the time frame for filing lawsuits under CEQA from ten years to 270 days. Villaraigosa further emphasized the need to utilize alternative delivery methods like design-build, progressive design-build, job order contracting, and public private partnerships.  

Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil (Senate District 4), representing Stanislaus, Tuolumne, Amador, El Dorado and Mariposa counties, pledged to be a leader in the State Legislature to advance the Governor’s infrastructure plan. Governor Newsome stated the legislative measures will be part of the budget process, meaning they will take effect immediately if passed by the Legislature.  

The full press conference, presented at the site of a future solar farm in the Central Valley, can be found here: Governor Newsom Announces New Actions to Speed Up Infrastructure Projects - YouTube.  If you have any questions, please contact Heidi Hannaman at heidih@csda.net.

 


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