SBCTA provided the Board with an update on the Southern California Association of Governments’ (SCAG) competitive Call for Projects for Federal Fiscal Years 2026/27 and 2027/28, covering the region’s Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) and Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) programs. These federal funding sources are essential to delivering major transportation improvements in San Bernardino County and historically have supported key freeway, freight corridor, transit, and mobility projects. With Measure I serving as the foundation of SBCTA’s long-term program, continued access to state and federal funds, such as STBG and CMAQ, is critical to meeting the commitments outlined in the 10-Year Delivery Plan.
For the first time, SCAG is responsible for selecting projects for these federal programs following a federal corrective action that shifted decision-making authority away from county transportation commissions. SBCTA and its member agencies submitted 23 projects for consideration, and SCAG has recommended funding for 18 projects in full and one in part, representing approximately $147 million for San Bernardino County. This outcome aligns with historical funding levels and reinforces the effectiveness of SBCTA’s strategy to present a focused, priority-driven project list. Staff emphasized the importance of timely approval of these awards to avoid impacts to major project schedules, including the I-10 Freight and Express Lanes Contract 2B.
The update also highlighted areas that will require further regional dialogue, including the development of formal programming procedures and SCAG’s proposal to reserve federal set-aside funds for regional planning uses. These set-asides would reduce the amount of money available for local infrastructure projects, and SBCTA is working with other county transportation commissions to evaluate the implications. Staff also noted that nearly $51 million in federal funds from the current cycle remain unallocated pending future SCAG action.