Caltrans and partners publish draft federal reauthorization principles, seek statewide signatories

Caltrans and its California Federal Affairs Working Group presented draft consensus principles for the next federal surface transportation act to the California Transportation Commission on Jan. 29, asking the commission to provide feedback and help solicit statewide signatories.

Andrew Carhart, Caltrans federal legislation manager, said the document was developed from more than a year of stakeholder engagement and maps priorities to CalSTA and CTC objectives: stabilize the Highway Trust Fund solvency, limit competitive grants in favor of guaranteed formula funding for core programs, streamline federal programs and transferability, prioritize safety and 'fix‑it‑first' maintenance investments, and fund innovation while adding equity guardrails to technology programs. Carhart emphasized alignment with AASHTO and USDOT principles while centering California priorities.

The draft also seeks to preserve federal transit funding at or above IIJA baseline levels, fully fund the Active Transportation Infrastructure Investment Program, and reform environmental review to accelerate project delivery. Caltrans will accept public comments through Feb. 27, 2026, and will solicit signatories through July 31, 2026. The commission voted to direct staff to provide feedback on the draft principles.