Rep. Huffman announces $1.6 million grant for Tolowa Dee-ni' nation road project

August 23, 2022

SAN RAFAEL, Calif. — On Tuesday, Congressman Jared Huffman announced that $1.6 million in funding will go towards the Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation’s Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability & Equity Project.

The project funding will be used to create pedestrian and bicycle paths around Highway 101. The funds were allocated through a federal funding package for the fiscal year 2022 that Rep. Huffman voted to pass.

“The 1.5-mile stretch of Highway 101 the project addresses runs right through the Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation Reservation, effectively serving as the Main Street of the community. But this area is in need of updates – numerous accidents and pedestrian fatalities have occurred on this busy stretch of highway,” said Rep. Jared Huffman. “The tribe shared its concerns about this dangerous stretch of road when I first came to Congress almost 10 years ago, and we have been working ever since to try to get the project funded. These RAISE funds will allow the nation to complete the designs and engineering it has worked on with local stakeholders, benefiting folks throughout the region and making a safer transportation corridor for everyone.”

The project will help develop Phase 2 of the planning for the Connected Communities Project, which aims to create improved crossings and separate pedestrian and bicycle paths around Highway 101.

"Safe travel for vehicles, pedestrians, bicyclists, and the general public is very important to Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation. Securing this RAISE Grant is the next big step we are taking to ensure the local highway and roads in our area are safe for all travelers," said Tribal Chair Jeri Lynn Thompson.


By:  Austin Castro
Source: ABC 7 KRCR