California transportation funding totals nearly $900 million, state officials announced yesterday. It will support projects that advance mass transit systems. It will also expand pedestrian and bicycle options. In addition, it will improve freight movement. Officials described the package in a press release from Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office. They said it will strengthen local transportation options. They added that it will support California’s economy.

California Transit Measure Could Reshape Bay Area Mobility
Bay Area Rapid Transit and other local agencies will receive funds from a sales tax if voters approve the measure in next year’s general election. Credit: Florence Middleton

California transportation funding for rail and transit

Among the rail-related awards, $273 million will fund new technology. It will go to rail systems now under construction. Those systems are in the Bay Area and Southern California. For example, the work includes an expansive tunnel. It connects downtown San Jose to Santa Clara. It is part of Bay Area Rapid Transit’s regional expansion. Also, $35 million has been set aside. It will complete design and construction. That work covers rail power infrastructure in Los Angeles, as Caltrans notes.

Meanwhile, $33 million will expand freight-rail operations at the Port of Long Beach. In addition, $3 million will help protect eroding coastal bluffs in San Diego County. At the same time, the work builds on prior investments. Those investments aim to secure critical coastal rail infrastructure from the impacts of climate change.

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Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and SB 1 support

The announcement said the investments draw on two bipartisan sources. Separately, $47 million comes from the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021. Also, $405 million comes from California Senate Bill 1 (SB 1). It is also known as the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017.

Since the IIJA’s passage, California has received $16.7 billion in infrastructure funding annually. Meanwhile, that support has included investments to upgrade the state’s roads and bridges. It has also covered rail and public transit. In addition, it has covered airports, the electric vehicle charging network, ports and waterways. Still, state officials said about 11% of yesterday’s announced total comes from that law. The rest of the investments are backed by SB 1. Officials said SB 1 has provided nearly $5.5 billion annually since 2017. It supports transportation projects.

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