Orange County officials expect state funds for road repairs countywide to more than double over the next decade — and other projects to be funded — from a transportation finance bill that last week cleared the California Legislature.
Senate Bill 1 raises gas taxes and vehicle fees by $5.2 billion annually to fix the state’s pothole-punctured, crumbling streets, highways and bridges, as well as bolster mass transit projects and reduce congestion in trade corridors and commuter routes.
Though the Orange County Transportation Authority board in the past has opposed raising the gas tax, agency CEO Darrell Johnson said it was “well thought out (by legislators) and I think it’ll provide a benefit to Orange County.