California agency awards $13 million in rail project funding

The California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA) yesterday announced the award of $13.1 million in Senate Bill 1 State Rail Assistance (SRA) funding to help advance nine projects.

The projects are "focused investments" to expand intercity rail service across California, reduce air pollution and ease traffic congestion — with an emphasis on emerging corridors, CalSTA officials said in a press release.

Projects receiving awards and the amounts include:
• $5.9 million to the Los Angeles-Coachella Valley Corridor/Riverside County Transportation Commission to build the Coachella Festival special event train platform in Indio to allow regular special events service;
• $3.4 million to the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) for four projects to advance expansion of statewide fleet and maintenance facilities, as well as integrated travel and piloting of new services to fill gaps in Northern California's rail system;
• $1.5 million to Central Coast Corridor/Coast Rail Coordinating Council and San Luis Obispo Council of Governments for pre-construction activities for a King City passenger-rail platform, which will allow service by the existing Coast Starlight and access to Fort Hunter-Liggett U.S. Army Garrison and Pinnacles National Park; and
• $1.4 million to the San Jose-SacramentoAuburn/Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority for pre-construction work of a new siding near Santa Clara-Great America Station.

The projects will allow new rail services to be offered that serve the needs of new markets and customers, CalSTA officials said.

About $27.6 million of additional program capacity remains until June 30, 2020. Applicants are allowed to propose additional investments on an ongoing basis to supplement those funds.