SB 976 by Senator Tom Torlakson consolidates ferry services in the San Francisco Bay Area through the new San Francisco Bay Area Water Emergency Transportation Authority (WETA). The legislation also allocates $250 million of voter-approved Proposition 1B transportation bonds to WETA.
"Senator Perata has championed the idea of creating a Bay Area Water Transit agency for years and in my State of the State Address this year I committed to work with him to make it a reality. I am proud to join with him today to make it official," said Schwarzenegger. "By encouraging the expansion and consolidation of Bay Area ferry lines, this bill fills in a big piece of the region's emergency preparedness capability. We all know how quickly ground transportation can break down in an earthquake or serious disaster so water transit is vital so the Bay Area will be better prepared for an emergency and its people will be safer."
According to the U.S. Geological Survey, there is a 62 percent probability that at least one magnitude 6.7 or greater quake will occur in the San Francisco Bay region within the next 25 years.
In addition, the Strategic Growth Plan -- championed by Schwarzenegger and approved last year by voters -- adds $125 million to match federal funds for seismic safety bridge improvements statewide.
