California recently awarded more than $1.5 billion in grants to fund projects that build a more efficient, sustainable and resilient supply chain.
A total of $1.2 billion was awarded to 15 projects that increase the capacity to move goods throughout the state and $350 million was awarded to 13 projects that eliminate street-level rail crossings. In addition, approximately $450 million was invested in zero-emission infrastructure, locomotives, vessels and vehicles.
The California State Transportation Agency’s “core four priorities are safety, climate action, equity and economic prosperity, and the strategic investments announced today shine in all those areas,” Transportation Secretary Toks Omishakin said during an event announcing the awards. “These awards – a direct result of Governor (Gavin) Newsom’s visionary leadership – will help maintain our state’s competitive edge in our nation-leading supply chain infrastructure and will create a cleaner, safer and more efficient goods movement system that will have a lasting positive impact for the people of California.”
The projects receiving funding will help boost capacity through the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, and enhance major trade centers throughout the state. Grade separation projects will improve safety and reduce conflicts and delays at railroad crossings.
An executive order in October urged state agencies to develop longer-term budget proposals that support port operations and goods movement.