California State Rail Plan 2007-08 to 2017-18

2007-08 – 2017-18 California State Rail PlanTHE ADMINISTRATION’S STRATEGIC GROWTH PLAN – AFRAMEWORK FOR THE FUTUREAs California progresses into the second decade of the 21st Century, it facesdifficult challenges. In 1955, the State’s population was about 13 million.Currently it is about 37 million, and by 2025 it is anticipated there will be apopulation of 46 million, bringing even more pressure on the ageing infrastructureof the State. One very important component of this infrastructure is thetransportation system, which provides a foundation for the movement of peopleand goods.The Administration has initiated plans for meeting the challenges of mobilitybrought about by this growth. A framework for meeting these challenges isincorporated into the Administration’s Strategic Growth Plan (SGP).It encompasses an infrastructure improvement program for the State’stransportation system, education, housing and waterways. The SGP will be thefirst installment of a 20-year investment on a future that will ensure California’squality of life and foster continued economic growth. It balances the necessity ofmeeting infrastructure needs with prudent and fair approaches to funding thoseneeds.A major source of funding infrastructure investments is general obligation bonds.For transportation projects $19.9 billion is to come from the Highway Safety,Traffic Reduction, Air Quality and Port Security Bond Act (Proposition 1B)approved by the electorate in the November, 2006 election (Figure 1B).A $400 million segment of Proposition 1B is specifically earmarked for intercitypassenger rail. Other segments of the Bond, such as funding for rail-highwaygrade crossing improvements and public transportation modernization will alsobenefit the intercity passenger rail system. Additional information on Proposition1B and its impact on funding for intercity rail is available in Chapter 12 of thisreport.The SGP is also closely aligned with the Administration’s “Global WarmingSolutions Act” (AB 32, Chapter 488, 2006). This landmark bill requires theState’s global warming emissions to be reduced to 1990 levels by 2020.6