California Invests More than $2 Billion to Fuel Economic Opportunity, Increase Access & Protect the State’s Vital Transportation Infrastructure

Published: Jun 28, 2024

SACRAMENTO- The California Transportation Commission(CTC) today approved more than $2 billion to improve and maintain a transportation system that serves as the backbone for the world's fifth largest economy. The approved funding will support the next generation of transportation projects, ranging from bridge maintenance and rail system upgrades to enhanced railroad safety features and increased access for bicyclists and pedestrians. These benefits will help power economic opportunity as well as mitigate the effects of climate change.

The latest allocations include more than $483 million from the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 (IIJA) and approximately $443 million from Senate Bill (SB) 1, the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017.

"We are committed to providing a world-class transportation system by making smart investments to upgrade our infrastructure and better serve all travelers," said Caltrans Director Tony Tavares. "Increasing mobility for Californians demands a multi-modal approach that prioritizes improved safety, system-wide resiliency and sustainability, equitable access, and continued support for the efficient movement of goods and services that help fuel the state's economic engine."

Today's investments include $103 million for the North Coast Corridor Rail project in San Diego County, a transformative effort designed to expand and upgrade passenger facilities, decrease rider travel times with a second rail line to bypass slower freight locomotives, and construction of a new bridge spanning the Batiquitos Lagoon. The funding allocations include $17.8 million to improve Highway 99 and State Route 68 in Tulare County; $10 million to provide Santa Barbara residents with cleaner, climate-friendly electric buses and chargers; and expand facilities for people who walk and bike, such as $3.5 million for Stockton's East Channel Street Streetscape, which will install bike lanes and sidewalk extensions. In addition, projects approved will enhance safety at railroad crossings, including $5.9 million for improved signaling, signage, and gates at two commuter rail crossings in the city of Montebello.

The latest CTC-approved projects for District 2 also include:

• Chester Causeway Rehab (State Route 36 in Plumas and Lassen Counties from Melissa Avenue to 0.6 mile east of Red River Canal): Pavement rehabilitation. This project includes $35.7 million in IIJA funding and $5.1 million in SB 1 funding.

• Almanor West Rehab (State Route 89 in Plumas County near Canyon Dam from just north of Lake Almanor Spillway to junction with State Route 36:Roadway rehabilitation. This project includes $35.7 million in IIJA funding and $4.63 million in SB 1 funding.

• Crescent Mills CAPM (State Route 89 in Plumas County in and near Greenville from 0.8 mile south of Dixie Canyon Road to Wolf Creek Bridge and from Mill Street to 0.4 mile north of Hillside Drive:Pavement preservation. This project includes $13.65 million in IIJA funding and $1.77 million in SB 1 funding.

• Wildlife Crossing Structure (U.S. 97 in Siskiyou County near Grass Lake from 1.4 miles north of Deer Mountain Road to 0.6 mile north of Grass Lake Safety Roadside Rest Area: Construction of wildlife crossing structure. The project includes $17.5 million in IIJA funding.

IIJA, known as the "Bipartisan Infrastructure Law," is a once-in-a-generation investment in our nation's infrastructure to improve the sustainability and resiliency of our energy, water, broadband and transportation systems. Since 2021, California has received more than $42 billion in IIJA funds, including more than $29 billion for transportation-related projects.

In addition, SB 1 provides $5 billion in transportation funding each year that is shared between state and local agencies. Road projects progress through construction phases more quickly based on the availability of SB 1 funds, including those partially funded by SB 1.

For more information about California transportation projects funded by IIJA and

SB-1, visit RebuildingCA.ca.govand www.build.ca.gov.