Road repaving is on list

While Newport-Mesa was not among the recent round of recipients of state transportation funds allocated under Proposition 1B, city staffers have been quick to develop proposals for the funding that has been set aside for the area.

Proposition 1B, passed by California voters in 2006, provides about $20 billion in funding for local transportation improvements. About $330 million was sent to cities throughout the state this week.

Costa Mesa and Newport Beach have been allocated approximately $1.8 million and $1.3 million respectively, but the money will not be released to local governments until a City Council-approved plan is submitted to Sacramento.

The reason for that, Newport Beach Public Service Director Steve Badum said, is that the state hopes to ensure the money is spent wisely — and quickly.

“Most of the state processes are like that,” he said. “The state has been really interested in us getting results with their funds as quickly as possible.”

When Newport’s $1.3 million rolls around, Badum said, the city will most likely employ the funds to repave city roads, particularly in Corona Del Mar.

“Every year we try to do a couple of local neighborhoods,” he said. “Applications have to go in before the end of March, so we’ll have to get our project fully put together and apply.”

Costa Mesa Transportation Manager Peter Naghavi said the city had yet to formulate any specific proposals, but would most likely tackle the question next week to meet the March deadline.

“There are a few other items we have to take care of, but after Monday we’ll definitely sit down and come up with some ideas,” he said. “[These offers] just came out a couple of days ago, so we’re still in the planning stages.”

State Sen. Tom Harman, who serves on the Senate Housing and Transportation Committee, said he is often frustrated that the county doesn’t receive more money.

Orange County is slated to receive approximately $24 million under the measure.

“Anywhere you drive, you have potholes in practically every city,” he said. “They could certainly use a shot in the arm.”