Transportation

Transportation funding sources must be maintained as this is critical to our economic success. The elimination of gas and other taxes, while attractive short-term options in times of economic hardship, create significant funding shortages to complete critical infrastructure projects. Funding should ensure long-term stability of our roads, bridges, and infrastructure, all necessary to support a vibrant economy.

We support the expansion of flights and destinations for, along with the modernization and terminal expansion of, the Charles M. Schulz – Sonoma County Airport. With each new route, our airport estimates an average of $23 million in economic value including 70 jobs in our community. In addition, connecting to new destinations enhances our ability to attract new employers and bolster our tourism industry.

Investments in local road repair and maintenance improve safety and movement of traffic, improving the travel experience for locals and visitors alike. We support investments in city and rural road maintenance. We support reconstruction of Highway 37 to withstand sea level rise and storm surges, to relieve congestion, and to improve safety. Growing housing demand has increased this priority as a local workforce issue. Average annual daily trips are projected to increase from 45,000 in 2013 to 58,000 by 2040. We would support alternative financing and project delivery methods including public private partnerships to address this crucial infrastructure need.

We believe that SMART has an important role to play in the future of transportation in the North Bay. We are committed to advocate for increased transparency and fiscal responsibility and for resources to fund final mile gaps and needed expansion, such as the Larkspur connection, as well as east to major metropolitan connectors.

In addition to the moral imperative to prioritize road safety, there is an economic case. Safer roads and improved pedestrian safety bolster tourism and contribute to a positive perception of a destination for locals and visitors alike. We support policy and infrastructure improvements
to reduce fatal or serious accidents through the implementation of Vision Zero.

We support funding to meet the infrastructure needs of the state’s zero emission vehicle goals as well as ensuring that the energy grid is prepared to meet this demand. As the market penetration of zero emission vehicles increases, fuel taxes will bring in less and less revenue, impacting transportation and infrastructure funding if not replaced. California must prepare for this impact and find a new funding mechanism for critical transportation and infrastructure projects.

We support opportunities for walkable and bikeable communities to support climate goals and vibrant downtowns while easing transportation system burdens.