For his strong support of investing in innovative transportation infrastructure systems in California, the American Council of Engineering Companies- California, named Assembly Member Jim Frazier (D-Oakley) as its 2015 Legislator of the Year.
“Assembly Member Frazier knows well the importance of efficient and effective transportation systems in California,” said Bruce Presser, ACEC California President. “From ensuring that local governments are empowered to more effectively manage their roadways through express ways, to supporting a comprehensive statewide transportation infrastructure investment, Assembly Member Frazier is not afraid to stand up for his values. ”
ACEC California names an annual Legislator of the Year that demonstrates political courage and strength of conviction on public policy issues important to the engineering and land surveying industries. Moreover, the individual must present a strong commitment to sound policies that efficiently deliver infrastructure projects that improve the quality of life for all Californians.
“Engineers play a critical role in our state’s ability to deliver vital infrastructure projects such as airports, bridges, water delivery systems, transportation corridors, and so much more to make California the truly Golden State,” said Assembly Member Frazier. “I am honored to receive this distinction, and I will continue to advocate for effective and accountable investments in infrastructure projects that make life better for California families.”
Assembly Member Frazier, whose district includes Fairfield, Vacaville, Rio Vista, Antioch, Brentwood and his hometown, Oakley, strongly supports high occupancy toll (HOT) lanes, thus allowing regional transportation agencies to innovatively manage traffic flow and goods movement for their residents. His legislation, Assembly Bill 194, signed into law by Governor Jerry Brown in October 2015, authorizes a regional transportation agency or the Department of Transportation to apply to the California Transportation Commission to develop and operate HOT lanes or other toll facilities. The bill also removes the existing limitation on the number of facilities that may be approved.
Mr. Frazier highly values the expansion of alternative project delivery methods, as indicated by, among other things, his bill AB 1724 (2014) which would have authorized a regional transportation agency to utilize the construction manager/general contractor procurement method to develop and construct transportation projects. Despite not becoming law, the Assembly Member remains committed to continuing to push for alternative delivery. Assembly Member Frazier also has a strong track record in supporting California’s freight mobility system, calling it the “heart and soul of our economy.”
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ACEC California is a statewide association representing over 950 private consulting engineering and land-surveying firms that average 20 employees each. ACEC California is dedicated to enhancing the consulting engineering and land surveying professions, protecting the general public and promoting the use of the private sector in the growth and development of our state. Our members provide services for all phases of planning, designing and constructing projects. For more information, visit www.acec-ca.org.
This information was provided by the Office of Assemblyman Jim Frazier
