Caltrans seeks input on 20-year freight mobility plan

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) is soliciting public comments on what will be included in the next 20-year plan to improve business and community freight connections across the state.

The U.S. Department of Transportation will rely on the California Freight Mobility Plan (CFMP 2019) and other state plans as it shapes a national freight plan. Projects identified in California’s plan will be eligible to apply for a higher percentage of federal funding, Caltrain officials said in a press release.

Federal and state mandates require each state to update its freight plan every five years to identify trends and plan for them.

"Our freight system faces much of the same issues as the state highway system: congestion and questions about how to make it more environmentally and economically sustainable," said Caltrans Director Laurie Berman. "Freight movement is critical to our economy, generating about $2.2 trillion each year and the amount moving through California is expected to continue to grow."

Workshops for public and industry focus groups will be held this month and next to offer opportunities for input, Caltrans said.

The plan will be finalized by December 2019. For more information about CFMP 2019, click on this link.