Section 2421 Of Chapter 9.5. Federal Transportation Economic Stimulus Funds From California Streets And Highways Code >> Division 3. >> Chapter 9.5.
2421
. The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:
(a) Congress has enacted the American Recovery and Reinvestment
Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5), which provides in part for
supplemental federal funding to the states for purposes of the
federal-aid highway program.
(b) It is in the interest of the state to ensure that the highway
infrastructure investment funds apportioned to the state under the
federal act are fully obligated within the constraints of that act.
(c) It is the intent of the Legislature that the department, in
consultation with the commission, regional transportation planning
agencies, counties, and cities, shall have sufficient authority to
make full and expeditious use of federal funds apportioned to the
state for economic stimulus.
(d) It is the intent of the Legislature that, to the extent
allowable under the federal act, priority be given to the use of
stimulus funds available for expenditure by the Department of
Transportation for projects that repair or rehabilitate the existing
transportation system and to advance funds for projects under the
Highway Safety, Traffic Reduction, Air Quality, and Port Security
Bond Act of 2006 that have been delayed or are in jeopardy of being
canceled due to the state's inability to issue general obligation
bonds in the short term. In the programming of these funds,
consideration shall be given to activities that put Californians to
work and provide needed economic stimulus throughout the state.
(e) It is the intent of the Legislature that highway
infrastructure investment funds made available under the American
Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 are used to contribute to a
transportation system that is in sound structural condition,
accommodates all users, is environmentally sustainable, and allows
for the efficient mobility of goods and people.
(f) It is the intent of the Legislature that the deadlines for
obligating and liquidating funds established by the American Recovery
and Reinvestment Act of 2009 apply to all federal funds appropriated
by this chapter.
(g) It is the intent of the Legislature that the recipients of
highway infrastructure investment funds made available under the
federal act, including state, regional, and local agencies, shall
adhere to principles and policies that ensure government oversight
and management of the contracting process to ensure taxpayer funds
are spent wisely; contracts are not wasteful, inefficient, or subject
to misuse; unnecessary no-bid and cost-plus contracts are avoided;
and contracts are awarded according to the best interests of
California taxpayers.
(h) As used in this chapter, "federal act" shall mean the American
Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.