CA AB246

Authorizes the Department of Transportation to lease airspace under freeways or real property acquired for highway purposes in disadvantaged communities to cities or counties on a right of first refusal basis for emergency shelters, feeding programs, parks, recreation, or open-space uses.

Sets lease rates at $1 per month for emergency shelter or feeding programs and 30% of fair market lease value for up to 10 park, recreational, or open-space parcels in any city or unincorporated county area.

Requires lessees to pay an administrative fee not to exceed $500 per year, fund and construct all associated infrastructure, and maintain full responsibility for all maintenance costs and liability.

Allows lessees to generate limited revenue through activities like parking facilities to offset maintenance costs, with at least 50% of excess revenues shared with the state and deposited in the State Highway Account.

Requires cities and counties to follow all applicable health, environmental, safety, design, and engineering standards in consultation with the Department of Transportation.