Department of Transportation: state highway projects: agreements with public entities: project design changes.

Existing law vests the Department of Transportation with full possession and control of the state highway system and associated property. Existing law authorizes the department to enter into cooperative agreements with cities, counties, and other public entities with respect to the acquisition, construction, improvement, and maintenance of state highways, including agreements for the contribution of funds from any of those entities for state highway projects located within their jurisdiction and for the apportionment of expenses associated with the project. This bill would require the department, in an agreement with a city, county, or other public entity for the contribution of funds for the acquisition, construction, or improvement of any portion of state highway, to include a provision that makes the department responsible for any additional costs associated with a new project design adopted by the department after the project is included in the state transportation improvement program or the state highway operation and protection program, as specified. The bill would also make this provision applicable to agreements in effect as of January 1, 2025.