Funding to expand rail service on Central Coast
–The California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA) this week announced the award of $13.1 million of Senate Bill 1 State Rail Assistance (SRA) funding to advance nine 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, like the Coast Route.
The San Luis Obispo Council of Governments (SLOCOG) was awarded $2.2 million which will be used by the Coast Rail Coordinating Council (CRCC) and its member agencies to complete a Coast Rail Corridor Service Implementation Plan and pre-construction activities for a new intercity rail station in King City.
SLOCOG is the facilitating agency for the CRCC, a group of transportation agencies working together to bring improved frequency, speed, reliability, and ease of use to intercity passenger trains on the coastal route between San Francisco and Los Angeles. Member agencies include SLOCOG, Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission (SCCRTC), Transportation Agency for Monterey County (TAMC), Santa Barbara County Association of Governments (SBCAG), and Ventura County Transportation Commission (VCTC).
“Improving passenger rail service along the Central Coast Corridor will help alleviate traffic congestion on Highway 101 and make the Central Coast more accessible for commuters, tourists, and residents,” said Assemblyman Jordan Cunningham (R-San Luis Obispo). “I am glad to see the state recognize our unique transportation needs and appreciate its willingness to invest in our region’s future.”
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