(a) In order to assist in the delivery of high-priority transportation projects, as determined by the commission, or advance project development work, the commission shall adopt, not later than January 30, 2000, guidelines for an expedited process through which projects may comply with the requirement that a project study report be prepared in order for a project to be considered for inclusion in the state transportation improvement program. The expedited compliance process may be initiated whenever the commission finds it to be in the public interest.
(b) The guidelines required under subdivision (a) shall be developed in consultation with the department, the county agencies responsible for submission of projects for inclusion in the state transportation improvement program, and regional transportation planning agencies.
(c) The guidelines developed by the commission shall require that any request for use of the expedited compliance process be approved by the county agency responsible for submission of projects for inclusion in the state transportation improvement program and that each county approval be reviewed and approved by the department before being considered by the commission.
(Added by Stats. 1999, Ch. 783, Sec. 7. Effective October 10, 1999.)