Caltrans Awards Millions to Improve Future Sustainable Transportation Projects in Local Communities

Published:

District: Headquarters
Contact: Kerstin Tomlinson
Phone: (916) 956-9343

SACRAMENTO —Caltrans awarded more than $21 million today in state and federal funds to local agencies to improve transportation across the state. The grant money will be used to plan projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve the highway system, enhance bicycle and pedestrian safety and access, and increase natural disaster preparedness.

"These grants will help our communities adapt to the impacts of climate change by advancing zero emissions efforts and investing in the future condition of our transportation system. Grant projects also create safer, more connected routes for all Californians, regardless if their travel mode of choice is by car, bicycle or using mass transit."

Toks Omishakin, Caltrans Director

Partially funded by SB 1, the 2017 transportation bill, nearly $18 million in Sustainable Communities Grants were given to 64 local, regional, and metropolitan planning organizations for multimodal and land use projects and natural disaster planning. This includes $5 million to fund planning for 17 active transportation projects, which improve safety and access for people who walk and bike.

Additionally, 13 projects throughout California received $3.7 million in federally-funded Strategic Partnership Grants that will improve transit options between communities, research alternative funding for road repairs, and alleviate congestion on busy freeways.

Caltrans awards transportation planning grants each year through a competitive process to encourage local and regional transportation planning. Applications are evaluated on how they further state transportation goals designed to identify and address statewide, interregional, or regional transportation deficiencies on the highway system.

FY 2020-21 Caltrans Sustainable Transportation Planning Grant Program Awards List