The U.S. Department of Transportation has awarded four California projects $72.5 million in grants from its BUILD Transportation Discretionary Grant program, formerly known as TIGER grants. Among the projects in line for funding is the North County Corridor.
In November 2016, residents of Stanislaus County voted overwhelmingly to approve Measure L, instituting a special 25-year, one-half cent sales tax increase for local transportation improvement projects. This designated Stanislaus a “Self-help County,” creating opportunities for federal funding like the TIGER and BUILD grants.
“Stanislaus County has had strong leadership in the Public Works department. The team has worked hard to secure the necessary funding for road infrastructure work,” said Paul Van Konyenburg, of the California Transportation Commission. “But they didn’t do this alone. We are so grateful that Senator Dianne Feinstein fought for us, and that Jeff Denham represented well in Washington on our behalf to highlight the needs of our community.”
“The passage of Measure L and becoming a Self-help County has made an enormous difference. We are able to compete well with leveraging funding,” said Vito Chiesa, Stanislaus County Board of Supervisors.
Congress tripled the funding for the program this year to $1.5 billion. California’s $72.5 million is eight times the amount received last year.
“This is outstanding for Stanislaus County. The North County Corridor is a critical inter-regional connectivity project that will positively impact the movement of our goods and services,” said Supervisor Terry Withrow, who has been a leader for regional projects, ensuring their forward momentum.
“Investment in our transportation infrastructure is necessary for California’s long-term economic growth,” added Senator Feinstein. “These grants, combined with state and private funding, will ensure these vital projects can move forward.
California projects funded include:
• $20 million for Stanislaus County to build three miles of the new SR 108 North County Corridor, a six-lane expressway.
• $15 million for San Francisco roadway improvements on Market Street between 6th and 8th streets, including roadway resurfacing, streetcar track replacement, upgrading traffic signals and a new F-line streetcar turnaround loop at McAllister Street and Charles J. Brenham Place.
• $20 million for Imperial County to widen the existing bridge at the Calexico Border Patrol Station to accommodate two additional northbound commercial truck lanes, two additional northbound passenger vehicle lanes, and bicycle and pedestrian improvements.
• $17.5 million for Kern County to widen five miles of Route 46 to four lanes in each direction, add one mile of bike lanes and sidewalks, and build a new bridge.
