2007 Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) White Papers
SANDAG has identified several key issue areas to be addressed in the 2007 RTP update. For each of these areas, staff is preparing a white paper to generate discussion and gather input from SANDAG policy committees and working groups. The purpose of the white papers is to identify potential problems and solutions for inclusion in the 2007 RTP and/or for further analysis. Topics are listed below, and links to each white paper will be added when available.
Crossborder Transportation
The Crossborder Transportation white paper [PDF] describes current travel conditions at the San Diego-Baja California Ports of Entry, identifies problems, and outlines potential solutions or alternatives. Recommendations from this paper will help guide the evaluation of projected crossborder travel demand and the assessment of needs related to border transportation infrastructure and services. The paper is provided in both English and Spanish.
Transportation Funding Revenue Sources
Traditional sources of funds, including state and federal fuel taxes at today’s levels, are no longer sufficient to operate, maintain, and rehabilitate the existing transportation infrastructure, much less to fund any significant expansions. Successful local initiatives such as the TransNet sales tax measure provide regional agencies with the flexibility and additional revenues to finance the construction of high priority transportation projects. However, since these local measures rely on the availability of state and federal funds as matching funds, their success may be limited. Simply stated, there is not enough money to pay for the needed capacity expansions. Alternative sources of funds and financing mechanisms will need to be created to fully fund the projects and programs in our RTP. The Transportation Funding Revenues white paper [PDF] explores potential long-term funding sources that may be included in the Reasonably Expected Revenue Scenario of the 2007 RTP.
Environmental Mitigation Program
A unique component of the TransNet Extension Ordinance and Expenditure Plan is the creation of an environmental mitigation program, [PDF] which goes beyond traditional mitigation for regional and local transportation projects. While the environmental mitigation program includes an allocation for the estimated direct costs for mitigation of upland and wetland habitat impacts for regional and local transportation projects, it also includes additional funding for habitat acquisition, management, and monitoring activities.
Public Safety & Homeland Security
The Public Safety and Homeland Security white paper [PDF] focuses on the existing plans and organizations in place to deal with the safety and security of the transportation system and highlights areas that warrant further analysis or action.
Tribal Governments
The Tribal Governments white paper [PDF] discusses interagency efforts to assess tribal transportation needs, the emerging regional government-to-government framework, and bilateral efforts to identify potential solutions.
Interregional Transportation
The Interregional Transportation white paper [PDF] describes current travel conditions at the San Diego - Riverside, Imperial, and Orange County lines, identifies problems, and outlines potential solutions or alternatives.
Emerging Technologies in Transportation
The Emerging Technologies in Transportation white paper [PDF]describes the major trends and technologies in transportation. Vehicle Infrastructure Integration, alternative fuels, and capacity projects are focal points.
Energy Demand and infrastructure
The Energy Demand and Infrastructure white paper [PDF] identifies energy affects of the RTP, alternative fuel and vehicle considerations, and outlines potential energy-saving and emission reducing measures.
Airport Ground Access
The Airport Ground Access white paper [PDF] discusses issues related to road and transit access to the current San Diego International Airport, which is the subject of a new (2006) draft Airport Master Plan.
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