Transportation Agency Awards Additional $13.1 Million in Funding to Expand Rail Service

Published:

Sacramento – Today, The California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA) announced the award of $13.1 million of Senate Bill 1 State Rail Assistance (SRA) funding to advance 9 projects throughout the state. These projects add to the $64.2 million approved in 2018, bringing cumulative SRA awards to $77.3 million for projects. These projects are focused investments to expand intercity rail service across the state, reduce air pollution and ease traffic congestion, with an emphasis on emerging corridors.

State Rail Assistance provides dependable supplemental revenue to improve rail service and provides opportunities to California’s local commuter and intercity rail agencies for:

  • Operations funding for expanded service;
  • Increased customer amenities such as discounted tickets;
  • Capital investments such as new and cleaner-emissions rolling stock to increase capacity and reduce emissions, and;
  • Track and station investments that can reduce travel times, delays, improve accessibility and enhance the customer experience.

About $27.6 million of additional program capacity remains between now and June 30, 2020, and applicants are allowed to propose additional investments on an ongoing basis to supply these remaining funds.

Today’s projects awarded include:

  • Funding for the Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority to support the construction of new siding near Santa Clara-Great America station, which will allow enhanced special events service at Levi’s Stadium and reduce delays for regular rail service.
  • Funding for the Coast Rail Coordinating Council and its member agencies, via the San Luis Obispo Council of Governments, to complete a Coast Rail Corridor Service Implementation Plan and to complete pre-construction activities for a new intercity rail station in King City.
  • Funding for the Riverside County Transportation Commission to build the Coachella Festival special event train platform in Indio to allow regular special events service.
  • Four Caltrans projects advancing the expansion of statewide fleet and maintenance facilities, including Stockton, and piloting new services to fill key gaps in the rail system in Northern California.

These projects will allow new rail services to be offered that serve the needs of new markets and customers.

Senate Bill 1 (SB 1), the landmark transportation infrastructure bill signed in April 2017, will provide $7.6 billion in new transit funding over the next decade. For complete details on SB 1 visit http://www.rebuildingca.ca.gov/.