The Sacramento Regional Transit District (SacRT) has been awarded a total of $4.4 million in state grant funding for three projects aimed at enhancing transportation infrastructure and addressing climate change impacts within the Sacramento region. The grants underscore SacRT’s commitment to sustainable and accessible transit options across the region.
The grant awards are as follows:
Strategic Growth Council Affordable Housing Sustainable Communities (AHSC) Grant – $3.2 Million
The grant will enable SacRT, in partnership with Bridge Housing, to make critical improvements to eight bus stops and fund platform modifications at the Arden/Del Paso Station on the Blue Line, ensuring that it meets the height requirements for the deployment of new low-floor light- rail trains.
The enhancements will improve the overall transit experience for riders while contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, as part of the AHSC award, BRIDGE Housing will transform the vacant land and unoccupied buildings at 440 Arden Way into a vibrant mixed-use development, including 124 affordable homes. The ground floor will include a commercial childcare center available to residents of the broader neighborhood, a resident services suite, community room and a multipurpose room, surrounding a courtyard with playgrounds and community gardens.
Caltrans Climate Adaptation Planning Grant – $730,209
In a collaboration effort with the city of Sacramento and SacRT, funds were secured to address the impacts of climate change. The project involves a comprehensive multi-hazard risk assessment of transportation systems, the development of adaptation solutions and the creation of a prioritized list of transit projects using a multi-criteria analysis.
The initiative will lead to the integration of climate change adaptation strategies into the capital improvement process, providing both the city and SacRT with actionable efforts to reduce climate change impacts on our transportation infrastructure.
Caltrans Climate Adaptation Grant – $470,000
SacRT, in partnership with the city of Elk Grove, has received funding to further plan and conceptual design for extending the Blue Line light rail and/or bus rapid transit from the city of Sacramento to the city of Elk Grove. This project encompasses an existing conditions report, alignment and station location recommendations, ridership projections, technical analysis, traffic modeling and station area plans.
The collaboration, supported by the Sacramento Area Council of Governments (SACOG), will engage various stakeholders and involve extensive community participation, ensuring the project aligns with the needs and aspirations of the community.
“These grants mark a significant milestone in our efforts to enhance transit accessibility, increase housing and reduce our region’s carbon footprint,” said SacRT General Manager and CEO Henry Li. “We are committed to delivering sustainable and innovative solutions that will not only improve transit services, but also contribute to a greener and more resilient future for the Sacramento region.”
“The city of Elk Grove annexed its transit services with SacRT in 2021 to improve regional connectivity and to expand a high-capacity transit solution into the city of Elk Grove,” said Elk Grove Mayor and SacRT Director Bobbie Singh-Allen. “As Elk Grove grows with more mixed-use higher density housing projects, I am excited to see the partnership with SacRT ensure efficient and reliable transit is being incorporated.”
