Assemblymember Frazier concerned about STA construction plans

BY ASSEMBLYMEMBER JIM FRAZIER

Chair, Assembly Committee on Transportation

11th Assembly District

To my dismay, I recently learned that the Solano Transportation Authority (STA), a Joint Powers Authority without any kind of dedicated, consistent funding stream, is in the process of procuring the construction of a new office building for themselves.

An agenda Item on the January 8th Board Agenda, authorizes the Executive Director to enter into all necessary agreements for the construction of a new STA Office Building in the amount not to exceed $16.01 million.

I did a little research and found that there is a large inventory of vacant building space in Solano County. Space that would more than adequately accommodate STA, its employees and all operations, but also far more cost effective and expedient than the construction of a brand-new building.

As the coauthor of Senate Bill (SB) 1 (2017), our clear intent was that increased state transportation revenue be used exclusively for the repair and maintenance of the state and local road systems. Over the objections of then Governor Brown, I fought hard to make sure cities and counties received their share of state revenue. In fiscal year 2019-20, Solano County and the seven cities within will receive over $13 million more in street and road maintenance funding through the revenues derived from SB 1. These funds are specifically spelled out in the law for the maintenance or improvement of transportation projects: certainly not to be used for administration or the construction of office space.

The bottom line is this: Transportation dollars are meant to be spent on transportation related projects. I do not believe it is fiscally prudent to enter into any agreement for the construction of a new office building, and am concerned that this is not in the best interest of the county or its constituents. I strongly urge that this agenda item be tabled and a more thorough discussion occur.