City of Chino Gains Control of Portions of State Route 83 within City Limits Following Governor Newsom’s Final Approval

(Sacramento, CA) – Governor Newsom has officially signed Assembly Bill (AB) 250, authored by Assemblymember Freddie Rodriguez (D – Pomona), into law. This legislation authorizes the California Department of Transportation to relinquish to the City of Chino those portions of State Route (SR) 83 that lie within the City’s jurisdiction.

“I am proud to have carried this important legislation that will now allow the City to move forward on planned improvements to the roadway, especially those areas of the highway that are prone to flooding. Allowing the City of Chino to control the portions of SR-83 in their jurisdiction will enable the City to make needed improvements efficiently and increase their preparedness for future extreme weather events,” stated Assemblymember Rodriguez.

Under current law, the California Transportation Commission (CTC) is authorized to relinquish a state route, or portion thereof, to a local jurisdiction at the jurisdiction’s request. Measures allowing CTC to relinquish segments of state highways are common in each Legislative session. Portions of SR 83 have already been relinquished to neighboring cities, such as Ontario and Upland. In 2021, Assemblymember Rodriguez authored the legislation relinquishing SR 83 to the City of Ontario (AB 744, Rodriguez, Chapter 198, Statutes of 2021).

There are currently bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and many needed improvements along Euclid Avenue. While the City has projects and plans under development to make the necessary improvements and upgrades, CalTrans’ possession of SR-83 requires the City to obtain permits and authorizations that add complexity, costs, and time to proposed projects. The City wishes to undertake these projects in a timelier manner.

“The City of Chino is grateful to Governor Newsom for his signature approving the relinquishment of portions of State Route 83 to our City. This bill will facilitate and expedite much-needed projects along this arterial by allowing CalTrans to transfer the portions of Euclid Avenue in Chino to the City. These improvements will benefit the regional economy by correcting inefficiencies and enhancing safety along Euclid, especially in those areas with greater flood risk,” said Mayor Eunice Ulloa. “We thank Assemblymember Rodriguez for his leadership throughout this process.”

Assemblymember Rodriguez (Linktree) represents the 53rd Assembly District which includes the cities of Chino, Montclair, Ontario, Pomona, and Upland. He is Chair of the Assembly Committee on Emergency Management.