California DOT seeks public input on draft freight mobility plan

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) plans to hold eight public workshops between June 17 and July 24 to solicit input on a draft versions of the California Freight Mobility Plan (CFMP), which aims to address ways to improve rail, truck, port and air transportation in the state.

Expected to be finalized by year's end, the plan will help promote economic competitiveness, reduce greenhouse-gas emissions and address cargo growth in California, Caltrans officials said in a press release.

"With the economic recovery expanding, California's highways, seaports and railroads are again teeming with freight being transported across the state and on to the rest of the nation," they said.

The state is developing the CFMP in partnership with the California State Transportation Agency, the freight industry, several public agencies, Native American tribal governments and advocacy groups. The U.S. Department of Transportation will rely on the CFMP and other state mobility plans to help shape a national freight plan. Projects identified in California’s plan will be eligible to apply for a higher percentage of federal funding.

California has set aggressive goals to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions and achieve a sustainable environment, Caltrans officials said. The CFMP’s goal is to transition the freight industry to zero or near-zero emissions by 2050.

"To maintain and improve California's status as the eighth-largest economy in the world, we must create a multi-modal freight plan that sustains freight jobs, improves transportation, and protects the environment and our communities," said Caltrans Director Malcolm Dougherty.

In addition to the eight workshops, Caltrans is soliciting public feedback on the CFMP via mail or email. Comments must be submitted by July 31.