Olsen Introduces Roadway Bill
Sacramento, CA– Assemblymember Kristin Olsen has introduced a new bill to
streamline the process for cities and counties to make minor roadway improvements related to safety.
Assembly Bill 890 would create a statutory exemption from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) for roadway improvements within existing road right-of-way. This measure would include but not be limited to guardrails, shoulder widening, minor drainage improvements, culvert replacements, traffic signal modifications, and minor realignments.
“Cities and counties need to be able to quickly perform some public works projects, but CEQA requirements have hindered them from performing this basic duty,” said Olsen. “It is important to understand the environmental impacts of a public works project, but to hold up a minor public roadway project that improves public safety is illogical.”
Olsen introduced this measure at the request of Tuolumne County. AB 890 is joint-authored by Assemblymember Henry Perea, from Fresno and co-authored by Senator Tom Berryhill.
“Tuolumne County is thankful Assemblymember Olsen has introduced AB 890. This bill offers much needed flexibility to meet the requirements of CEQA when making modest improvements to existing roadways,” said John Gray, Chairman of the Tuolumne County Board of Supervisors. “This will allow timely and maximum use of resources on actual roadway improvements while still protecting the environment.”
Assemblymember Olsen represents the 25th Assembly District in the California Legislature, which includes Angels Camp and Sonora.
Written by tina.falco@mlode.com
