The California Department of Transportation(Caltrans) announced an award of $34.7 million in state and federal funding to local agencies to plan sustainable transportation projects.
In a news release, they stated the objective of the awarded projects is to improve the state highway system, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enhance access to safe walkways and bike paths, as well as increase natural disaster preparedness.
The funding includes $25 million from the Senate Bill, the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017.
"These grants are funding the planning for sustainable and more resilient transportation projects that will prepare the state for rising sea levels, wildfires, and other climate-related impacts. By collaborating with local communities, we are working together to achieve both our climate goals and an equitable transportation infrastructure for people who rely on transit and intercity bus service," said Steven Keck, Caltrans Interim Director.
In total, Caltrans says the agency will be allocated:
- $18.4 million in Sustainable Communities Competitive and Technical Grants to 57 local, regional, tribal, and transit agencies for climate change adaptation
- $3.8 million in federally funded Strategic Partnership Grants to 10 projects that will plan for zero-emission vehicles, sustainable goods movement, intercity bus systems, and other sustainability initiatives.
- $12.5 million in Sustainable Communities Formula Grants to metropolitan planning organizations to further regional transportation plans and sustainable community strategies
Caltrans awards transportation planning grants every year through an incredibly competitive process to encourage local and regional projects in the state.
