SACRAMENTO, CA – Today, AB 998 by Assemblymember Cecilia Aguiar-Curry (D-Winters) passed the Assembly Floor with a bipartisan vote of 75-0. This bill makes State Route 128 eligible to be named as a “Scenic Highway,” which will increase local economic activity in the North Bay region and bring new appreciation to the beauty of the route.
“As a designated scenic highway, Highway 128 will promote tourism and enhance local pride in the region,” said Assemblymember Aguiar-Curry. “The communities along Highway 128 have been impacted by recent wildfires and other natural disasters. An official scenic highway designation will attract tourists and locals to these areas that have been working hard to rebuild and recover.”
State Highway 128 is roughly 140 miles long and runs through Yolo, Napa, Sonoma, and Mendocino counties. The highway is nestled against coastal mountains and passes through world class wineries, Michelin Star restaurants, rustic spas and resorts, historic sites, state and national parks, and scenic landscapes. The corridor is known for its picturesque beauty because it winds through farmlands, vineyards, and orchards, as well as notable sites like the Old Ornbaun Hot Springs, Putah Creek, and the Vaca Mountains.
“AB 998 is the first step to a scenic highway designation,” said Aguiar-Curry. “I am excited to continue working with local stakeholders throughout this process, because if you’ve ever driven on Highway 128, you know it’s something special.”
AB 998 is coauthored by Senators Dodd (D-Napa) and McGuire (D- Healdsburg) and Assemblymember Wood (D- Santa Rosa) and will now move to the California State Senate.
Aguiar-Curry represents the 4th Assembly District, which includes all of Lake and Napa Counties, parts of Colusa, Solano and Sonoma Counties, and all of Yolo County except West Sacramento.
###