Transportation and Infrastructure

On the Central Coast, we rely heavily on our highways, railways, and airports to connect us to the rest of California and the country. A safe and efficient regional transportation network to connect our communities is critical to encouraging economic growth and maintaining the quality of life for families in our region.

As a senior member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I understand the need to invest our federal tax dollars here on the Central Coast and better support local governments in building and maintaining infrastructure.

My role on this Committee gave me a key role in helping write and pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the largest investment in American infrastructure in nearly a century and a bill that is already delivering big for the Central Coast. As of the end of 2024, the landmark package had already delivered more than $1 billion to our region, supporting more than 13,000 jobs, and enabling critical upgrades across Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and Ventura counties. The projects underway because of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law include major repairs to our bridges and freeways, new clean water projects, climate resiliency upgrades, and investments to expand access to high-speed internet and zero-emission transit.

Currently, I serve as Ranking Member of the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee, where I have spearheaded efforts to tackle congestion and disruptions at our nation’s ports due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. 

Following the Conception boat fire incident off Santa Barbara’s coastline, I met with families of the victims and worked to pass my Small Passenger Vessel Safety Act, which passed into law at the end of the 116th Congress as part of the Elijah E. Cummings Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2020. This  bill will close loopholes to improve safety in small passenger vessels in order to prevent future tragedies.

I also worked to ensure families, like the ones from Conception, are afforded just compensation. The Don Young Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2022 includes my legislation, the Small Passenger Vessel Liability Fairness Act, which will update antiquated liability laws so that victims and their families receive just compensation in the wake of tragedy. No amount of compensation can bring back a loved one or make the pain go away, but it is necessary to hold the responsible parties accountable.

I am also acutely aware of how challenges to our communities and their infrastructure are complicated by the growing dangers of climate change. My first term in office brought devastating reminders of that with the Thomas Fire and the Montecito Debris Flow. Recent years saw our region swing from historic drought to multiple winters of record rainfall and devastating storms. I work in Congress to promote not only the relief funding to help us rebuild after these climate disasters, but to invest in the resiliency needed to blunt future damage and fortify us against an increasingly unpredictable Mother Nature.

Rep. Carbajal questions Director Mulvaney on infrastructure cuts

We need to work together to make substantive investment in our country's network of transportation, energy, water, broadband, and civic infrastructure in order to create quality good-paying American jobs in the process.

For more information concerning work and views related to transportation and infrastructure, please contact our office.