California invests $1.7 billion to improve safety, resiliency of highways – including millions for highways damaged by LA fires
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~ California Governor Gavin Newsom announced today that the state is investing nearly $1.7 billion to improve and strengthen its highway system. This investment, guided by Governor Newsom's Build More, Faster - For All infrastructure agenda, aims to make California communities safer and more climate resilient.

The California Transportation Commission (CTC) has allocated $86.5 million of this funding for repairs to infrastructure damaged during the Los Angeles firestorms earlier this year. In addition to these proactive efforts, the CTC has also allocated funds for long-term improvements to highways throughout the state.

Governor Newsom stated, "Today's monumental investment puts Californians' tax dollars to work making critical safety and resiliency improvements to highways throughout the state that support the travel of millions of residents each day. We're also directing millions to help repair vital infrastructure damaged by the Los Angeles fires."

Some of the projects included in this investment are a $195.5 million rehabilitation of roadway and drainage systems along Interstate 805 in San Diego, Chula Vista, and National City; a $129 million replacement of the Cordelia Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Facility near Fairfield; and a $30 million project to repair damage caused by the Palisades Fire and rainstorms near Big Rock Road in Malibu and State Route 1 near Mulholland Drive.

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Mike Keever, Acting Director for Caltrans, stated that these investments support their mission to build and maintain a transportation system that benefits Californians now and in the future. He added that this funding will lead to safer travel, more accessible mobility options, and stronger roadways during extreme weather events.

The total allocation includes $655 million from Senate Bill (SB) 1, also known as the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017, and nearly $567 million from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 (IIJA). The IIJA is a federal bipartisan infrastructure bill that provides a once-in-a-generation investment in the nation's infrastructure, including energy, water, broadband, and transportation systems. California has received nearly $62 billion in federal infrastructure funding since its passage, creating over 170,000 jobs in the state.

Meanwhile, SB 1 invests approximately $5 billion annually towards transportation projects and provides funding for both state and local agencies. This funding allows road projects to progress through construction phases more quickly based on the availability of funds.

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Governor Newsom also took the opportunity to address recent news regarding his reassurance to international partners that President Trump's tariffs do not represent California. He also proclaimed May 2025 as "Small Business Month" in California, recognizing the importance of small businesses in the state's economy.

The Governor also condemned U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s plan to target abortion access by calling for a "complete review" of mifepristone, a safe and effective medication used for medical abortions.

Overall, this significant investment in California's highway system demonstrates the state's commitment to improving safety and resiliency for its residents while also creating jobs and boosting the economy. For more information on these projects and other infrastructure initiatives, visit Build.ca.gov.

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