When people think of TransNet, they usually think of transportation – roads, highways, buses, rail – but what many may not realize is that there is also a critical environmental component to the half-cent sales tax program. A key part of the TransNet extension is the Environmental Mitigation Program (EMP). The EMP is intended to provide a total of $850 million in TransNet dollars for the environmental mitigation of projects.

Specifically, $450 million is allocated to mitigate impacts of the regional transportation projects, and $200 million is allocated to mitigate impacts of local transportation projects. The EMP also identifies $200 million for a “Regional Habitat Conservation Fund” to be used for habitat acquisition, management, and monitoring activities that are not necessarily associated with the mitigation of transportation projects.

The TransNet Ordinance includes guiding principles for the EMP – one of which calls for the establishment of a regional entity responsible for program implementation. The SANDAG Board recently approved a recommendation from its Regional Planning Committee to assume the responsibility of allocating the Regional Habitat Conservation, with advice and input from the Regional Planning Committee. In addition, the Board agreed to appoint four new advisory members to the Regional Planning Committee: the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the California Department of Fish and Game, the Wildlife Conservation Board, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This new working group will be chaired by an elected official to be named at a later date.

The EMP will play a critical role in preserving valuable open space, fostering regional prosperity, and improving quality of life.

Project Manager:
Janet Fairbanks
619-699-6970