**STATEMENT**
(Sacramento, CA) – California Transit Association Executive Director Michael Pimentel issued the following statement today in response to the Governor’s May Revise and “Cap-and-Invest” Plan:
“We are disappointed to see that while Governor Newsom’s “Cap-and-Invest” plan identifies funding for the California High-Speed Rail Authority, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, and the California Climate Credit, it remains silent on the importance of continued climate investment in California’s public transit systems.”
“As we understand it, the plan would put in limbo the fate of two of the most cost-effective climate programs in the state: the Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program (TIRCP) and Low Carbon Transit Operations Program (LCTOP). What’s more, the plan would create unnecessary funding challenges for dozens of major transit and rail capital projects statewide that were awarded Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF) funds in 2022 and 2024. This is an untenable position that runs counter to the state’s long-standing climate and transportation policy.”
“To combat climate change, improve air quality, and address the affordability crisis faced by everyday Californians, state leaders must stand up to protect and maintain continued investment in clean, efficient, and affordable public transit projects and services. Progress toward California’s climate objectives — and the success of California’s high-speed rail project — will only occur if we have a robust public transit system. Staying silent on continued investments in transit, even as a starting position for the “Cap-and-Invest” plan, is a blow to all who rely on essential transit service and throws into doubt the future of public transit in California.”
“The Association supports quick action to reauthorize the “Cap-and-Invest” program as well as action to appropriate the planned investment of $1 billion in previously-approved funding for transit capital and operations, as proposed by Governor Newsom. We look forward to working with the Governor and the Legislature to ensure the final Cap-and-Invest program provides significant funding from the GGRF to meet the needs of California’s transit systems and the communities they serve. The eyes of the world will be on California in the years ahead and now is not the time for uncertainty.”
A link to the Association’s priorities can be found here.
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The California Transit Association (Association) is the leading advocacy organization and champion for public transit in California. The Association’s more than 220 member organizations include transit operators, commuter rail agencies, transit support groups, national and international transit suppliers, and government agencies. With a motivated and informed membership base, the Association actively engages State decision makers to shape transit-friendly policy, secure increased transit funding and promote the benefits of a balanced transportation system. The Association represents transit's interests before the California State Legislature, the Governor and regulatory agencies on the local, state and federal levels.