California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced his state would spend nearly $2.5 billion on public transportation infrastructure to enhance connectivity for people who walk and bike, as well as to rebuild vital routes to increase access for transit users.
The funding will support more than 150 projects supporting local streets and roads, state highways, public transit, and intercity rail projects. Newsom said the projects would create more than 150,000 jobs overall. Part of Newsom’s Build More, Faster – For All agenda, the funding will be managed by the California Transportation Commission.
“While (President Donald) Trump guts transportation infrastructure funding across the country, California is busy building the transportation network for the future,” Newsom said. “Through repairing aging roads and bridges, creating world-class transit and freight systems, expanding public transit, and leading technological innovation — we are ushering in the golden age of transportation. Investments like these drive our economy while creating good-paying jobs across the state.”
Funding for the programs will come from $547 million in federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 and $736 million from California’s Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017. The remaining $1.1 billion is funded through the State Highway Account, the state’s general fund and other state and federal programs.
“Our transportation team is continuing to prioritize benefits for all Californians with bold infrastructure investments that will connect communities and boost our economy,” California Transportation Secretary Toks Omishakin said. “By advancing Governor Newsom’s commitment to build more, faster, these investments will improve safety, support economic growth and strengthen the transportation networks Californians rely on every day.”
Projects awarded funding include $257 million for the Southwest Los Angeles County mobility hubs, which will improve the connectivity for pedestrians, bicyclists, transit riders and highway commuters; $99 million for the Whiskey Creek Bridge renovation replacing the historic bridge in Shasta County; and $6.7 million for the Milpas Street Sidewalks and lighting to create high-visibility crosswalks along Milpas Street in Santa Barbara.