The State - News from May 25, 1989

Allowing private companies to build and finance toll roads in California has become an option in legislative negotiations over a 10-year plan for easing congestion on the state’s highways, Assembly leaders said. Assemblyman Richard Katz (D-Sylmar) said that, as a concession to Republicans, Democratic negotiators may support a measure by Assemblyman William P. Baker (R-Danville) that would permit private groups to construct and operate transportation projects. Katz said the proposal would be part of an agreement that is being hammered out by legislative leaders and Gov. George Deukmejian to finance $20 billion in transportation improvements in the next decade. Until now, private construction and operation of toll roads as part of the state highway system has been prohibited.