This transit construction utility permitting reform bill is exciting and highly reasonable.
SB-445: https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB445
SB-445: https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB445
Reposted from
Senator Scott Wiener
I introduced new legislation to speed up permits for public transit projects, including high speed rail.
When transit agencies build bus or rail lines, they’re often delayed by local governments or utilities that delay or fail to grant a permit.
It’s a big problem & causes delays/cost escalation.🧵
When transit agencies build bus or rail lines, they’re often delayed by local governments or utilities that delay or fail to grant a permit.
It’s a big problem & causes delays/cost escalation.🧵
Comments
- respond in 30 days acknowledging a transit agency's notification about a project, and saying whether it's complete
- within 60 days of complete notification, agree on what utility permits and standards will be required from the transit project
- require agreement on timelines for review and construction, from both the transit agency and the utility
- prevent utilities from pulling the rug out from agencies on requirements they could have brought up earlier
You can track SB-445 here:
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB445&firstNav=tracking#