Action Plan Unveiled to Improve Goods Movement, Reduce Congestion and Improve Air Quality

SACRAMENTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The state Business, Transportation and Housing Agency (BTH) and the California Environmental Protection Agency (Cal/EPA) today jointly released the Goods Movement Action Plan (GMAP), which outlines a comprehensive strategy to address the economic and environmental issues associated with moving goods via the state’s highways, railways and ports.

“The GMAP identifies solutions among California’s goods movement corridors to reduce congestion and accommodate the expansion of trade between California and the rest of the world. This investment will assure California’s position as a leading player in the global economy.”

The GMAP is a key component of Governor Schwarzenegger’s Strategic Growth Plan and will guide allocation of $3.1 billion of the $19.9 billion approved by voters in the Highway Safety, Traffic Reduction, Air Quality and Port Security Bond Act of 2006 (Proposition 1B). The GMAP identifies projects for consideration in the CTC’s allocation of the $2 billion for infrastructure investment. The Air Resources Board will allocate the remaining $1 billion for emission reduction projects related to goods movement.

“Governor Schwarzenegger is dedicated to improving our transportation infrastructure to support the demands on our primary corridors for moving goods and creating jobs,” said Barry Sedlik, Acting Secretary for the Business, Transportation and Housing Agency. “The GMAP identifies solutions among California’s goods movement corridors to reduce congestion and accommodate the expansion of trade between California and the rest of the world. This investment will assure California’s position as a leading player in the global economy.”

The GMAP is a comprehensive plan to address the various layers of the goods movement system, focusing on the state’s four key transportation corridors – Bay Area, Los Angeles/Inland Empire, San Diego border region and the San Joaquin Valley. The plan was developed to promote economic growth, encourage the creation of new high-paying jobs, and address the environmental challenges of this growing industry.

“The GMAP takes an important step to address the air pollution and other environmental impacts created by goods movement,” said Linda Adams, California’s Secretary for Environmental Protection. “The goods that move in and through our state are critical to California’s economic vitality, but it’s essential that we protect public health and the environment in the process,” said Secretary Adams.

In 2005, the Schwarzenegger Administration established a cabinet-level working group to develop a comprehensive policy to improve goods movement, while ensuring protection of public health and the environment. Working collaboratively with the logistics industry, local and regional governments, neighboring communities, business, labor, environmental groups and other interested stakeholders, the GMAP was drafted to achieve the shared goals.

The GMAP includes approximately 200 possible projects covering infrastructure, public health and environmental impact mitigation, community impact mitigation, homeland security, public safety and workforce training. A range of funding sources and mechanisms are presented that are available to leverage Proposition 1B bond funds.

In addition to investments in congestion relief, infrastructure expansion and air quality improvements, the state is investing in security at the ports. The funds under Proposition 1B will supply the California Port Security Grant Program with $100 million to improve the security of various maritime assets throughout the state. This program is an important supplement to other federally-funded programs. They will help the state Office of Homeland Security implement security strategies developed by the three Area Maritime Security Committees and the California Maritime Security Council.

“Public Safety is Governor Schwarzenegger’s number one priority and this commitment of resources to the security of our ports is a vital component of the GMAP,” said Matthew Bettenhausen, Director of the California Office of Homeland Security. “Ensuring the safety and security of these national assets goes hand-in-hand with other GMAP priorities.”

BTH and Cal/EPA will present the Goods Movement Action Plan to the California Transportation Commission, the California Air Resources Board, and the California Maritime Transportation Security Council for their consideration as they deliberate allocation of the Proposition 1B funds.

A copy of the plan can be found at http://www.arb.ca.gov/gmp/gmp.htm.