Rep. Huffman Announces $1.6 Million Grant for Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation Project

August 23, 2022

San Rafael, CA – Today, Congressman Jared Huffman announced $1,613,600 in funding for the Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation’s Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability & Equity (RAISE) project. The funds will be used to create pedestrian and bicycle paths around U.S. Highway 101 and were allocated through the FY2022 federal funding package that Rep. Huffman voted to pass. Rep. Huffman sent a letter to U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg in March advocating for this funding.

“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.”

Tribal Chair, Jeri Lynn Thompson was excited to hear about the news and said: "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."

This planning project will develop Phase 2 of the planning for the Connected Communities Project, which will create separated pedestrian and bicycle paths and improved crossings around Highway 101. This project scope includes the environmental review and clearance, design and right-of-way and utility planning and design processes.