SACRAMENTO, CA — Assemblyman Jeff Gonzalez (R-Indio) and Assemblymember Greg Wallis (R-Bermuda Dunes) announced amendments to AB 1145, legislation aimed at increasing transparency, accountability, and public engagement in state transportation planning decisions affecting mountain communities and rural regions throughout California. Riverside County Supervisor V. Manuel Perez has joined local leaders in supporting the legislation.
AB 1145 was introduced by the tragic death of Anza resident Tristin Bourgeois and the ongoing concerns raised by families, residents, and community advocates regarding safety along Hwy 74. Known as the Palms to Pines Highway, Hwy 74 serves as a vital lifeline connecting mountain communities, Coachella Valley residents, visitors, businesses, and emergency responders.
While the legislation does not predetermine the outcome of any ongoing transportation study, it seeks to ensure that local voices are heard and that communities receive meaningful responses when recommendations are submitted to the state for consideration.
If approved, AB 1145 would:
- Require Caltrans to evaluate and compare the costs of any alternatives compared to the proposals submitted by local authorities and provide written explanations whenever proposals are rejected.
The measure is intended to increase transparency throughout the planning process, ensure accountability, and prevent communities from being left without answers regarding decisions that impact public safety.
While AB 1145 represents an important step forward, Gonzalez, Wallis, and Perez emphasized that the legislation is only one piece of a broader effort to ensure residents receive the infrastructure investments, safety improvements, and responsive government they deserve.
“The loss of Tristin devastated a family and touched an entire community,” said Assemblyman Jeff Gonzalez. “For years, residents have raised concerns about Highway 74 and the safety challenges facing those who travel this corridor every day. Hwy 74 is more than a road. It is a lifeline for mountain communities, families, workers, visitors, and first responders. AB 1145 is about ensuring those voices are heard, that proposals receive meaningful consideration, and that communities receive clear answers when decisions are made. Transparency and accountability should not be optional.
“When communities submit safety proposals to the state, they deserve more than silence. Residents along Highway 74 have done the work, submitted the studies, and waited for answers. AB 1145 establishes a simple standard. If a proposal is rejected, Caltrans must explain why. That is not a burden on the agency. It is the baseline of responsible government,” said Assemblymember Greg Wallis
A Truck Study of Highway 74 has been completed by Riverside County’s transportation department which has been sent to CalTrans for review. The County and CalTrans are working together on further analysis before additional recommendations are made.
“I appreciate Caltrans’ willingness to work with the County to improve safety in our mountain communities. This study provides important information to help guide our next steps and prevent future tragedies, “said Supervisor V. Manuel Perez. “We must act swiftly to ensure the safety of our community.”
AB 1145 will be heard in the Senate Transportation Committee on Tuesday, June 30.
Constituents interested in supporting AB 1145 can submit letters of support by visiting, HERE.
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