SMART lands more funding for commuter line projects; Santa Rosa gets 4 electric buses
Two North Bay public transportation projects will receive $4.8 million in federal transit and infrastructure funds, including $1.8 million for design work to extend the next Sonoma–Marin Area Rail Transit section 5 miles from Windsor to Healdsburg, and $3 million for the purchase of four all-electric buses for Santa Rosa Transit’s CityBus program.
The total cost of the 5-mile rail line expansion from Windsor to Healdsburg is now estimated to be $160 million for the main line, pathway and a new Russian River railroad bridge planned for construction between 2023 to 2025. In 2019, the estimated cost was $125 million.
“Once full funding has been achieved, this extension could be built in approximately 24 months,” according to SMART Community Outreach and Customer Services Manager Matt Stevens.
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The latest newly approved design funds for Healdsburg SMART extension came from the Federal Rail Administration and were included in the Consolidated Appropriations Act for 2023, nominated by Rep. Jared Huffman, D-San Rafael, last May and announced on Dec 23.
“I’m incredibly pleased to have been able to secure funding for 14 local projects in the latest government appropriations bill …,” Huffman said. “Thanks to our yearlong efforts, it’s now on the path to extend its reach, better serve our region and the people who depend on SMART’s services.”
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By: Gary Quackenbush
Source: North Bay Business Journal
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