New Procedure To Establish Priority List

Unlike past years, this proceeding has been changed from a two-year to a one-year process due to statutory time limitations that were enacted in Senate Bill (SB) 960, effective January 1, 1998. Under SB 960, quasi-legislative proceedings, such as this, must be completed in 18 months. However, this statutory time period does not allow adequate time in the second year to issue a second formal Commission decision. Therefore, we notified all known interested parties in the OII in this proceeding of the need for a new one year procedure to establish a Priority List.² Prior to this proceeding, in D.99-06-035, we outlined several procedural options: to open a new docket to establish the Priority List for each year of the two-year period, or to certify the Priority List for both years in one decision the first year. After two years experience in operating under SB 960, we deem the latter option as the less burdensome for parties and the Commission. We will adopt a Priority List for a two year period and authorize Staff to revise the Priority list after the first year based upon input from Caltrans.

² Including all cities, counties, railroads, the League of California Cities, the County Board of Supervisors Association, CTC, California Department of Transportation, Light Rail Transit Agencies and known interested parties.