Improving Public Transportation
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act authorizes up to $108 billion for public transportation – the largest federal investment in public transportation in the nation’s history.
Public Transit
The Infrastructure Law makes significant investments in transit will help repair and upgrade aging transit infrastructure and modernize bus and rail fleets. We secured $19.3 million to help San Joaquin Valley communities make transit safer and more efficient, funding new buses and rail cars, track and station repairs, and other safety initiatives, including:
Fresno- $4,338,876
Bakersfield- $3,189,817
Delano-$907,126
Hanford-$1,463,004
Lodi- $790,726
Madera- $966,660
Merced- $1,342,021
Porterville- $1,215,734
Turlock- $863,791
Modesto-$2,052,676
Visalia-$2,158,603
ADA Compliance in Public Transportation
In addition, $160 million is allocated nationwide to support transit for seniors and persons with disabilities, funding key resources such as wheelchair lifts, mobility management programs, and accessible transit vehicles. The following cities in the Valley have received federal funds:
Fresno- $323,706
Bakersfield- $214,312
Modesto- $172,905
Visalia- $96,559
Clean Buses and Facilities
The Low or No Emission competitive program provides funding to state and local governmental authorities for the purchase or lease of zero-emission and low-emission transit buses. The City of Fresno received $17 million to transition its bus fleet to energy-efficient and low-polluting transit buses. This grant will improve the service of the FAX system and ensure residents can access safe, clean, and affordable transportation services.
The Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities Competitive Program makes federal resources available to states and directs recipients to replace, rehabilitate and purchase buses and related equipment and to construct bus-related facilities, including technological changes or innovations to modify low or no-emission vehicles or facilities. Through this grant program, we secured a $2.1 million federal grant for the Fresno County Rural Transit Agency (FCRTA) to advance the construction of a bus maintenance and operations facility in Selma, Calif., enhancing its maintenance capabilities and transition to a zero-emission fleet.
High-Speed Rail
The Infrastructure Law is investing in modern, sustainable public transportation, including high-speed rail. As part of the law, Costa’s bill, the High-Speed Rail Corridor Development Act was included, which has provided federal funding for the California High-Speed Rail project. So far, we have secured nearly $70 million through the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity, or RAISE Discretionary Grant programfor the following projects:
$20 million to restore downtown Fresno’s historic Southern Pacific train depot and create new plazas that will eventually tie in with California’s high-speed rail passenger station in Fresno. This station will serve as a hub, helping reconnect Chinatown, and southwest Fresno to the downtown core.
$25 million to help advance the 33.9-mile extension from Madera to downtown Merced, extending the high-speed rail line beyond the 119 miles currently under construction.
$24 million for crucial safety, efficiency, and construction projects along the City of Wasco and State Route 46, helping connect Wasco and Kern County communities to high-speed rail.
Federal Grants and Funding Opportunities: