May 14, 2014 - In response to the Supplemental Report of the 2013-14 Budget Package, this brief presents our assessment of the existing COS program and makes a series of recommendations to improve the efficiency and accountability of the program. While we find that Caltrans has made minor improvements to the COS program in recent years, the program generally lacks accountability and is not operating efficiently. Specifically, we find that the COS program currently (1) lacks performance data to adequately measure program effectiveness, (2) is experiencing a substantial decline in workload that will result in significant overstaffing starting in 2014-15, and (3) allows for limited legislative and external oversight. Significant reductions to the size of the program and increases in the level of external oversight are necessary in order to ensure the state's limited transportation funds are used wisely. We recommend that the Legislature take a first step to address the COS overstaffing problem in the 2014-15 budget. In addition, we recommend that the Legislature take steps for the California Transportation Commission to perform specific oversight and project approval functions for projects that currently have limited oversight.
May 15, 2016 - The Governor’s May Revision requests a total of 10,389 full-time equivalent (FTE) staff resources and about $1.9 billion for the Capital Outlay Support program at Caltrans in 2016-17. This includes a proposed increase of 877 FTEs and $156 million to support projects that would be funded from the estimated increase in transportation funding resulting from the Governor’s proposed funding package. While the Legislature has been considering various proposals to increase funding for transportation projects (including the package proposed by the Governor) as part of a special legislative session, it has not adopted any such proposals at this time. Thus, we find it is premature to approve additional COS resources as proposed by the Governor until a specific transportation funding proposal is adopted.
February 18, 2004 - Analysis of the 2004-05 Budget Bill, Transportation Chapter
February 19, 2003 - Analysis of the 2003-04 Budget Bill, Transportation Chapter
February 20, 2008 - Analysis of the 2008-09 Budget Bill, Transportation Chapter
February 21, 2007 - Analysis of the 2007-08 Budget Bill, Transportation Chapter
February 16, 1999 - Analysis of the 1999-00 Budget Bill, Transportation Chapter
March 2, 2010 -
The Governor’s budget proposes $18 billion in expenditures (mostly from special funds) for transportation programs in 2010‑11. We recommend the Legislature (1) reduce Caltrans' capital outlay support (COS) staffing by about 1,500 (and $200 million a year) to align with actual workload if Caltrans does not provide workload justification for its COS budget; (2) reject the Governor's request to appropriate $3.45 billion in future federal transportation funds for public-private partnerships because this program does not appear to be permissible under current law and because details are not available regarding how the majority of the funds (about $2.5 billion) would be used; and (3) adopt new reporting requirements for the High-Speed Rail Authority to increase accountability.
(Short video introducing this report)
January 22, 2007 - In November 2006, California voters approved $42.7 billion in general obligation bonds to fund infrastructure projects in transportation, education, resources, and housing. The 2006 bond package represents a major opportunity for the Legislature to address many of the state’s most pressing infrastructure concerns. With more than $18 billion allocated to new programs, effective legislative oversight is critical to the success of the programs. In this report, we offer key considerations and recommendations to assist the Legislature in implementing the bonds. (Video Summary)review infrastructure
March 2, 2015 - In this report, we review the Governor's 2015-16 budget proposals for various transportation departments and programs, including the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), California High-Speed Rail Authority (HSRA), California Highway Patrol, and the Department of Motor Vehicles. Based on our review, we make recommendations for legislative consideration and oversight.