Golden State Today

California has made significant investments in its transportation infrastructure, committing nearly $13 billion over the past year. This funding aims to improve road safety, enhance accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists, support underserved communities, and create a more climate-resilient highway system.

The California Transportation Commission recently allocated $830 million, bringing the total investment since 2022 to almost $38 billion. These projects have generated approximately 420,000 jobs, bolstering the state's economy.

In addition to state funding, the Biden-Harris Administration announced an additional $135 million to help California purchase clean trucks. This initiative is crucial for reducing pollution and improving public health in historically neglected communities.

Governor Gavin Newsom emphasized the importance of these projects as part of his "build more, faster" agenda. "We're building more, faster, and we're creating hundreds of thousands of jobs for folks working in the very communities they grew up in," he stated.

Funding sources include the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Senate Bill 1. The former contributed over $6.5 billion while SB 1 provided another $2.7 billion towards this effort.

Caltrans Director Tony Tavares highlighted the future-oriented approach: “The future of California’s transportation system relies on providing safer, more equitable and accessible travel options for all Californians."

Projects span across all regions of California, from urban interstates to rural highways. They include safety improvements on Interstate 15 through Riverside and San Bernardino counties and enhancements such as new bike lanes and hydrogen fueling stations.

Several specific projects were approved to improve Californian lives regardless of their mode of travel. These include sidewalk expansions in San Luis Obispo County, electric buses in Santa Barbara, bridge replacements in Mendocino County, BART extensions into San Jose, and wildlife crossings near Tehachapi.