San Francisco Transportation Budget Approved

SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) – Some major San Francisco transportation projects got initial approval on Tuesday, but county transportation leaders know the picture is not completely rosy.

The San Francisco County Transportation Authority's budget was approved by the Finance Committee, with money for more than 175 projects.

Deputy Chief Maria Lombardo said the $157.8 million proposal includes funds for big, long-term projects like the Central Subway and Presidio Parkway /Doyle Drive project.

"There is also a whole suite of similar programs that really affect everybody," said Lombardo. "Things like traffic calming, pedestrian safety, bicycle projects and street resurfacing."

KCBS' Anna Duckworth Reports:

But Lombardo said cuts in federal and state grant matches could stall some of these big projects in a year or two because the Authority counts on Proposition K matches in its planning.

"We've been lucky so far to keep projects moving but it's really getting to mission critical," she said. "If the state doesn't get it's act together soon, we could be in trouble."

More than 90 percent of the Authority's budget for this fiscal year, which starts in July, is slated for capital projects.

The San Francisco Board of Supervisors is scheduled to vote on the proposal on May 24.

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