Chapter 1General Provisions and Definitions

Section § 161000

Explanation

This section highlights the importance of transportation to California's economy and its role in disaster scenarios. It stresses that transportation paths must be protected from other incompatible uses, as some potential routes are being repurposed. Therefore, the Department of Transportation is tasked with acquiring and preserving land for transportation paths to prevent it from being used for other purposes. Additionally, this must be done while adhering to environmental laws and regulations.

(a)CA Public Utilities Code § 161000(a) The Legislature finds and declares as follows:
(1)CA Public Utilities Code § 161000(a)(1) Transportation is vital to the state’s economy, and a complete transportation system is essential in times of disaster.
(2)CA Public Utilities Code § 161000(a)(2) Transportation corridors should be protected from uses which are incompatible with transportation requirements.
(3)CA Public Utilities Code § 161000(a)(3) Important potential transportation corridors are being developed for other purposes.
(b)CA Public Utilities Code § 161000(b) It is, therefore, the intent of the Legislature in enacting this division to vest in the Department of Transportation responsibility for implementing a program of transportation right-of-way protection and conservation within essential transportation corridors by acquiring and holding transportation corridor lands which would otherwise be lost to public use.
(c)CA Public Utilities Code § 161000(c) It is the further intent of the Legislature in enacting this division to preserve land which is needed or will be needed for transportation corridors consistent with applicable environmental protection laws and regulations.
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(Added by Stats. 1990, Ch. 781, Sec. 1.)

Section § 161001

Explanation

This section defines the term "commission" as referring specifically to the California Transportation Commission within this division of the law.

As used in this division, “commission” means the California Transportation Commission.
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(Added by Stats. 1990, Ch. 781, Sec. 1.)

Section § 161002

Explanation

This section of the law specifies that whenever the term "department" is used within this division, it refers to the Department of Transportation.

As used in this division, “department” means the Department of Transportation.
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(Added by Stats. 1990, Ch. 781, Sec. 1.)

Section § 161003

Explanation

This section clarifies that whenever the term "secretary" appears in this division, it specifically refers to the Secretary of Transportation.

As used in this division, “secretary” means the Secretary of Transportation.
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(Amended by Stats. 2013, Ch. 352, Sec. 510. (AB 1317) Effective September 26, 2013. Operative July 1, 2013, by Sec. 543 of Ch. 352.)

Section § 161004

Explanation

A "transportation corridor" is an area or land that meets certain criteria related to transportation planning. It can be designated by state or local transportation agencies as necessary for state or regional plans. It might also be part of planned or existing routes for highways or mass transit systems, as outlined in local or state plans.

As used in this division, “transportation corridor” means an area or one or more parcels of land that meets any of the following requirements:
(a)CA Public Utilities Code § 161004(a) Designated by the commission as necessary under the adopted state transportation improvement plan.
(b)CA Public Utilities Code § 161004(b) Designated by a transportation planning agency, county transportation commission, or the San Diego County Metropolitan Transit Development Board as necessary under the adopted regional transportation implementation plan.
(c)CA Public Utilities Code § 161004(c) Within the adopted route of a state highway.
(d)CA Public Utilities Code § 161004(d) Within the adopted route of a county or city highway or exclusive mass transit guideway which is consistent with the county or city general plan.
(e)CA Public Utilities Code § 161004(e) Designated by the commission as being within one of two or more proposed routes or alignments for a state highway.
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(Added by Stats. 1990, Ch. 781, Sec. 1.)