Golden State Today

California has received $360 million from the Biden-Harris Administration to support various projects across the state, including habitat restoration, park improvements, and rail and highway investments. This federal funding complements the investments made by Governor Gavin Newsom's administration.

Governor Newsom expressed gratitude for these funds, stating: "If it feels like we’re celebrating historic federal investments every week, that’s because we are. No other administration in history has provided the kind of transformative funding helping build our state than the Biden-Harris Administration. We’re grateful for these investments that will help benefit communities across California."

Nearly $45 million in federal funding is allocated for restoring and protecting California’s rivers and aquatic habitats. These projects aim to improve the health of fish, wildlife, and aquatic ecosystems across the state.

Additionally, $95 million from the National Park Service (NPS) will be used to improve outdoor recreation spaces in underserved communities. This marks the largest total grant amount California has received in NPS Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Grants Program history. The funds will support 15 park projects statewide as part of California’s Outdoors for All initiative.

Moreover, over $220 million is designated for clean transportation initiatives. This includes more than $54 million for a high-speed rail station in Madera as part of the Merced-Bakersfield California High-Speed Rail Interim Service project. The remaining $166 million will fund Contra Costa’s INNOVATE 680 Program to complete an express lane gap on I-680 from SR-24 to SR-242 and convert an existing high-occupancy vehicle lane into an express lane.

The funding comes through the Biden-Harris Administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and aims to enhance transportation options, create jobs, and improve air quality.

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