Public transit and air quality projects across California are receiving bond funds to upgrade transit service, purchase eco-friendly buses, modernize transit stations, build new park and ride facilities and for other transit-related purposes that will reduce emissions. All told, 107 projects will receive $235.4 million from Proposition 1B, the 2006 transportation bond, which includes $3.6 billion to improve public transit in California.
“These projects are a direct investment in our state’s transportation infrastructure and will help stimulate the California economy right when we need it the most,” said Gov. Schwarzenegger. “Not only will these projects help stimulate our economy and create jobs, they will also reduce traffic congestion and transportation-related pollution, improving our air quality and bringing us another step closer to reaching our emissions-reduction goals.”
An additional $115 million in bond transit funding from fiscal year 2008-09 could be released this fall (contingent on bond board approval of bond sales) along with all or a portion of $350 million in bond transit funding for fiscal year 2009-10.
“We need to immediately put this $235 million to work on projects that will improve public transit and air quality and keep people on the job,” said Caltrans Director Randy Iwasaki.
Some of the more notable projects receiving funding include:
Bay Area
• $20 million to modernize all 43 stations in Bay Area Rapid Transit’s (BART) 103-mi.