Infrastructure & Public Works Blog : San Francisco Infrastructure Lawyer & Attorney : Hanson Bridgett Law Firm : Public Works Construction : Sacramento, Marin County, Northern California

While the recession has led to a drastic slowdown in the construction industry, the horizon looks brighter as the Bay Area preps for a welcome infusion of cash from the federal government. The money comes from the federal stimulus bill, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. During his campaign President Obama emphasized the need for increased infrastructure spending as a means to end the recession, increase public transportation, and improve America’s aging infrastructure. The stimulus bill makes good on his campaign promises, with approximately $50 billion dedicated to core infrastructure spending on bridges, roads, rail, and other transportation projects.

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On June 6, 2006, Santa Clara County voters soundly rejected Measure A, which proposed a half-cent tax increase designed to rescue the financially struggling BART extension to Santa Clara County.  Measure A was defeated 127,935 (57.41%) “no” votes to 94,891 (42.59%) “yes” votes.

The $4.7 billion BART extension is now in serious doubt, as without the additional Measure A funds, the Valley Transit Authority lacks the money to operate the 16.1 mile extension and federal officials won’t approve a $750 million contribution to the project unless VTA comes up with a stable financial plan.

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On May 5, 2006, California lawmakers approved a series of bills that would place a record $37.3 billion public works spending plan before voters in November, reviving the earlier proposal that failed to pass the Legislature earlier this year when lawmakers and the governor could not reach a compromise.

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