California awards grants for port upgrades, rail crossing work

California Gov. Gavin Newsom last week announced a state investment of more than $1.5 billion — including $450 million for zero-emission infrastructure, locomotives, vessels and vehicles — as part of the state’s work to build a more efficient, sustainable and resilient supply chain.

The $1.2 billion will fund 15 projects designed to increase the capacity to move goods through the state’s global trade gateways while lessening environmental impacts on neighboring communities.

"These investments — unprecedented in scope and scale — will modernize our ports, reduce pollution, eliminate bottlenecks and create a more dynamic distribution network," Newsom said in a press release.

Administered by the California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA), $350 million also was awarded to 13 projects that eliminate street-level rail crossings to make critical lifesaving safety improvements, reduce emissions and keep goods and people moving.

Projects receiving funding will help boost capacity to move goods through the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, as well as enhance all major trade centers throughout the state. The high-priority grade separation projects, the majority of which are funded through the Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program, will improve safety and reduce conflicts and delays at railroad crossings, helping enhance the state’s freight and passenger rail systems.

Among those receiving grants is the Port of Stockton, which received $45.9 million for its Rail Infrastructure Improvements for Sustainable Exports (RIISE) project through the CalSTA's Port and Freight Infrastructure Program (PFIP).

That project involves construction of new infrastructure designed to improve rail capacity, accommodate increased freight tonnage and train frequencies, mitigate potential service disruptions and reduce long-term repair and maintenance costs, port officials said in a press release.

PFIP will fund fund the replacement of the San Joaquin River rail bridge; expansion of the port’s long lead track to two tracks; and procurement of a zero-emission electric rail-car mover. The port is situated on the San Joaquin River.

A complete list of Port and Freight Infrastructure Program Selected projects receiving funding is available here.

A list of transit and intercity rail proposals to receive funding as part of High Priority Grade Crossing Improvement and Separation project is available here.