On Monday, Caltrans announced it awarded $34.7 million in state and federal funds to cities, counties, tribes, and transit agencies to plan sustainable transportation projects.
The money includes $25 million funded by California’s Senate Bill 1, the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017. The projects, the agency said, will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve the state highway system, enhance access to safe walkways and bike paths, and increase natural disaster preparedness.
“These grants are funding the planning for sustainable and more resilient transportation projects that will prepare the state for rising sea levels, wildfires, and other climate-related impacts, said Steven Keck, Caltrans Interim Director. “By collaborating with local communities, we are working together to achieve both our climate goals and an equitable transportation infrastructure for people who rely on transit and intercity bus service.”
The funding includes $18.4 million in Sustainable Communities Competitive and Technical Grants to 57 agencies for climate change adaptation, transportation, land use planning, and natural disaster preparedness. More than $4.5 million of that funding will go to 14 projects that improve safety and access for people who walk and bike, the agency said.
The funding also includes $3.8 million in federally funded Strategic Partnership Grants to 10 projects for zero-emission medium- and heavy-duty vehicles, sustainable goods movement, wildlife connectivity, intercity bus systems, and other sustainability initiatives. Caltrans will award $12.5 million in SB 1 funds as Sustainable Communities Formula Grants later this spring. Those grants will be awarded to metropolitan planning organizations to advance regional transportation plans and sustainable community strategies.