The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) recently awarded $51.4 million in planning grants to 89 projects designed to make the state’s transportation system more resilient to climate change.
“California is at the forefront of planning transportation projects built to help underserved communities withstand the effects of climate change,” Tony Tavares, Caltrans director, said. “By working closely with local partners, we can maintain a sustainable, adaptable and resilient transportation system that will serve all Californians far into the future.”
Thirty local, regional and transit agencies received $28.8 million in Climate Adaptation Planning grants. The projects, 97 percent of which benefit disadvantaged communities, will identify transportation-related climate vulnerabilities through the development of climate adaptation plans and adapt planning to address climate impacts to transportation infrastructure.
Fifty local, regional and transit agencies received $19.2 million in Sustainable Communities Competitive and Technical grants for transportation and land use planning, and electric vehicle charging infrastructure planning. Ninety-two percent of these projects will benefit disadvantaged communities, and 16 projects will improve safety and access for pedestrians and bicyclists.
Nine projects received $3.4 million in federally funded Strategic Partnerships grants. Projects include developing airport passenger transportation recommendations, and improving interregional Americans with Disabilities Act paratransit coordination.