SacRT Awarded Three Grants to Help Connect Communities

July 23, 2024 SacRT News

SacRT Awarded Three Grants to Help Connect Communities!

The Sacramento Regional Transit District (SacRT) is proud to announce it's the recipient of three Caltrans Sustainable Community grants totaling nearly $1 million. These planning grants will help SacRT improve safety, help residents make better transit connections, and meet the mobility needs of the growing region.

Grant Project Details:

• Safe Routes to Transit Plan: $442,650
• Folsom Connections to Healthcare (partnership with City of Folsom): $218,472
• Reimagine Roseville Road Station: $177,060

"We are honored to receive these grants, which will significantly enhance our ability to provide safe, sustainable, and accessible transit options for the Sacramento community," said SacRT General Manager/CEO Henry Li. "Each of these projects reflects our commitment to improving the quality of life for our residents by connecting them more effectively to essential services, employment opportunities, and healthcare. Through strong partnerships and innovative planning, we are transforming our transit system to meet the growing needs of our region."

"These grants are a testament to our ongoing efforts to create a more connected and sustainable transit network," said SacRT Board Chair and Sacramento County Supervisor Patrick Kennedy. "By focusing on projects that enhance safety, accessibility, and environmental sustainability, we are paving the way for a future where public transit is the cornerstone of our community's mobility."

ABOUT THE PROJECTS:

Safe Routes to Transit Plan:
In response to the growing need for bicycle and pedestrian mobility, SacRT, in partnership with Civic Thread and Sacramento Area Bicycle Advocates (SABA), will conduct a comprehensive review of active transportation plans, including SacRT's Bus Stop Improvement Plan. This project aims to analyze current conditions, prioritize locations, and develop recommendations for safe routes to transit.

Through extensive community engagement, the plan will focus on transforming car-centric environments into safer and more comfortable spaces for cyclists and pedestrians. This initiative ensures equitable transportation by addressing obstacles faced by transit riders of all ages and abilities, ultimately supporting SacRT in securing future funding and aligning with other development projects.

Folsom Health Connections:
In partnership with the City of Folsom and local medical facilities, the Sustainable Transit Connections to Health Services Planning and Feasibility Study aims to proactively plan for sustainable transit connections supporting Folsom's rapid growth. This project will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, alleviate traffic congestion, provide alternative regional transportation modes, and improve access to jobs, services, and healthcare facilities.

The study will include route design, ridership forecasts, station area planning, public engagement, and a unique multi-party sponsorship agreement. It aligns with several ongoing planning efforts, including the Folsom 15-Minute Service Frequency project and SACOG's Green Means Go greenhouse gas reduction goals, to serve the fastest growing area of Folsom currently unserved by fixed-route transit.

Reimagine Roseville Road Station:
The Reimagining Roseville Road Light Rail Station for Equitable Access Project seeks to reopen and enhance access to the Roseville Road light rail Station via the Grand Avenue bridge, which is currently closed due to safety risks. This project aims to redefine the bridge as a community asset through access improvements identified through community engagement. Proposed enhancements include lighting upgrades, cameras, traffic control devices, bike/pedestrian facilities, urban greening elements, artwork, and signage. These improvements aim to foster a safer, more accessible environment for the community north of the station, transforming it into a neighborhood amenity.

Caltrans announced 89 awards totaling approximately $51.4 million for the Fiscal Year 2024-25 Sustainable Transportation Planning Grant Awards. In addition, Metropolitan Planning Organizations will receive $12.5 million in Sustainable Communities Formula grants to further their Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy. See the full list of grants here: https://dot.ca.gov/programs/transportation-planning/division-of-transportation-planning/regional-and-community-planning/sustainable-transportation-planning-grants

Each of these projects are expected to commence in early 2025.