Climate fix (and toll charge) for Highway 37

“Creating a dedicated funding stream and leveraging federal dollars is the only way we can afford these critical improvements that will keep this artery working, while reducing daily commute times,” Dodd said. “With the highway projected to be underwater in 20 years, congestion and seasonal flooding will only get worse.”

Sen. Dodd addressed the problem with two bills, SB 1049 and SB 1050. Both were approved by the Senate with overwhelming support.

Senate Bill 1050, authorizes creation of a toll between Mare Island and Sears Point. The revenue would finance construction costs and environmental remediation.

The second bill, SB 1049, directs $1.9 billion in federal infrastructure funds to climate-adaptive transit projects including along Highway 37.

“It will allow us to make much-needed improvements to relieve congestion, get transit going in the corridor and pursue long-term projects to address the effects of climate change on this critical route,” said Suzanne Smith, executive director of the Sonoma County Transportation Authority.

No timeline for design and construction has been established.