The California Environmental Dialogue supports new funding if accompanied by reform. How funds are generated for transportation infrastructure con be as important as how they are spent. If funding is not derived directly from use and in direct proportion to actual costs, users receive incorrect economic signals. The result is incentives for inefficient system use and even more congestion. Riders and drivers need to know actual costs of use to make rational decisions on use.
Transportation infrastructure has several sources of user funding.
In contrast, many worthy programs such as education, libraries, and parks must depend on the limited amount of general funds or general obligation bonds. Preserve and enhance the long term economic prosperity of the state. Protect open space, habitat, and other environmental qualities. Improve the quality of life of all Californians. These goals are achievable by maintaining, restoring, reinforcing, and expanding existing transportation infrastructure, with an emphasis on improving the transportation infrastructure of developed areas and those appropriate for future development.