BILL ANALYSIS
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|SENATE RULES COMMITTEE | SB 532|
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THIRD READING
Bill No: SB 532
Author: Cogdill (R)
Amended: 4/16/09
Vote: 21
SENATE TRANS. & HOUSING COMMITTEE : 10-0, 4/28/09
AYES: Lowenthal, Huff, Ashburn, DeSaulnier, Harman,
Hollingsworth, Kehoe, Pavley, Simitian, Wolk
NO VOTE RECORDED: Oropeza
SENATE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE : Senate Rule 28.8
SUBJECT : Relinquishment of State Highway Route 201
within the
City of Kingsburg
SOURCE : City of Kingsburg
DIGEST : This bill allows for the relinquishment to the
City of Kingsburg of that portion of State Route 201 that
is located within the city.
ANALYSIS :
Existing law identifies the California state highway system
through a description of segments of the state's regional
and interregional roads that are owned and operated by the
Department of Transportation (Caltrans). The law also
provides that, in order to expand or delete any portion of
the state highway system, the California Transportation
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Commission (CTC) shall make findings that the change is in
the best interests of the state.
The law further provides for the relinquishment of a
portion of a state highway to a city or county under an
agreement between the local jurisdiction and Caltrans, when
an act of the Legislature has deleted the portion of
highway from the state highway system.
This bill allows CTC to relinquish to the City of Kingsburg
that portion of State Route (SR) 201 that is located within
the city limits upon a finding that the relinquishment is
in the best interest of the state. The relinquishment
shall be subject to a cooperative agreement between the
city and Caltrans, including a requirement that the city
maintain signs directing motorists to the continuation of
SR 201. The relinquishment shall be effective upon the
recordation of CTC's resolution, at which time the
relinquished portion of SR 201 shall cease to be a state
highway and shall be ineligible for future adoption as a
state highway.
Comments
SR 201, known as Sierra Street, is the major east-west
route through the City of Kingsburg and serves as the
city's de-facto "main street." It is also the site of the
city's annual Swedish Festival. The City of Kingsburg
would like to avoid the necessity of obtaining state
permits to make street improvements or to close the street
for the Swedish Festival and other downtown events. By
assuming ownership of the street, the city and its
residents can gain control over this important part of
their community while also saving money for the state,
which will no longer bear the responsibility of maintaining
and improving the roadway.
Consistent with Caltrans study . A 1995 internal Caltrans
study identified state highway routes that should be owned,
operated, and maintained by local agencies. That study
concluded that a large portion of SR 201 could be
relinquished to the City of Kingsburg or the County of
Fresno without jeopardizing traffic flow or public safety.
As a result, this bill is consistent with the Caltrans
study.
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Numerous precedents . This bill is one of a long line of
highway relinquishments to local governments. In many
cities, state highways are major arterial streets that form
the backbone of the community. Understandably, the local
governments are concerned about the traffic and visual
impacts associated with the highway. Relinquishment allows
the city to increase its control over the thoroughfare
while maintaining the route as a major transportation
corridor. The state, in turn, is relieved of the costs of
maintaining the highway.
FISCAL EFFECT : Appropriation: No Fiscal Com.: Yes
Local: No
SUPPORT : (Verified 5/11/09)
City of Kingsburg (source)
JJA:do 5/11/09 Senate Floor Analyses
SUPPORT/OPPOSITION: SEE ABOVE
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