CA SB198

Establishes three climate adaptation grant programs: Transportation Infrastructure Climate Adaptation Strategy Grant Program (awarded by Department of Transportation), Local Transportation Infrastructure Climate Adaptation Project Program (administered by California Transportation Commission), and State Transportation Infrastructure Climate Adaptation Program (administered by Department of Transportation) to fund planning and implementation of transportation projects that adapt to climate change impacts.

Creates the High-Speed Rail Authority Office of the Inspector General as an independent entity with a four-year appointed Inspector General to conduct audits, reviews, and investigations related to high-speed rail project delivery and contractor oversight, with annual reporting requirements to the Legislature.

Restricts High-Speed Rail Authority use of Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund appropriations beginning in fiscal year 2022-23 to prioritize funding for the Merced to Bakersfield segment, with limited exceptions for environmental clearance, state operations, and up to $500 million in efficiency-maximizing activities, through June 30, 2030 or when the segment is fully funded.

Establishes the Reconnecting Communities: Highways to Boulevards Pilot Program to provide competitive grants for converting underutilized state highways into multimodal corridors in underserved communities, allocating 25 percent for planning and 75 percent for implementation.

Authorizes Department of General Services to enter into a lease-purchase agreement for a new Department of California Highway Patrol area office facility in Santa Ana, Orange County, and increases design-build procurement authority for Department of Transportation from 10 to 16 projects per fiscal year in 2022-23 and 2023-24.