Olsen Press Release

OLSEN INTRODUCES BILL TO Streamline Minor Roadway Improvements For Cities & Counties

SACRAMENTO – Today, Assemblymember Kristin Olsen, R-Modesto, introduced Assembly Bill 890 to streamline the process for cities and counties to make minor roadway improvements related to safety.

“Cities and counties need to be able to quickly perform some public works projects, but CEQA requirements have hindered them from performing this basic duty,” said Olsen. “It is important to understand the environmental impacts of a public works project, but to hold up a minor public roadway project that improves public safety is illogical.”

In recent years, California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) has held up many public works projects.  AB 890 would create a statutory exemption from CEQA for roadway improvements within existing road right-of-way. This measure would include but not be limited to guardrails, shoulder widening, minor drainage improvements, culvert replacements, traffic signal modifications, and minor realignments.

 “It is time for the Legislature to return more control to local governments in decisions that protect their citizens’ safety,” said Olsen. “This is a commonsense solution that balances environmental protection and public safety.”

 Olsen introduced this measure at the request of Tuolumne County. AB 890 is joint-authored by Assemblymember Henry Perea, D-Fresno and co-authored by Senator Tom Berryhill, R-Oakdale.

 “Tuolumne County is thankful Assemblymember Olsen has introduced AB 890.  This bill offers much needed flexibility to meet the requirements of CEQA when making modest improvements to existing roadways,” said John Gray, Chairman of the Tuolumne County Board of Supervisors. “This will allow timely and maximum use of resources on actual roadway improvements while still protecting the environment.”