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2/5/2021
The California Transportation Commission last week approved the Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit's (SMART) request for $1.45 million to fund a $2.9 million freight-rail investment package.
The funds will be distributed through the state's Short Line Railroad Improvement Program, which supports investments in smaller freight railroads to move freight off highways and onto rail, which will help reduce traffic congestion and reduce greenhouse-gas emissions.
The SMART grant will be matched with local private funds to construct modern freight-rail spurs, complete with positive train control system improvements and repairs to the Black Point Rail Bridge over the Petaluma River.
"This $1.5 million down payment will be put to work connecting rail to businesses along the SMART line to help bolster freight-rail activity in Marin and Sonoma counties," said State Sen. Mike McGuire in a press release issued by SMART.