Fresno and Bakersfield and have received tens of millions of dollars each for transit improvements.
The north Valley also has tens of millions of dollars coming its way in the form of rail improvements.
South Valley: Golden Empire Transit received $117 million from the Transit Intercity Rail Capital Program, which comes from the California State Transportation Agency.
- Part of the $117 million will go toward constructing 81 units of subsidized rental housing at the Downtown Transit Center.
- It will also fund 18 hydrogen-fueled buses, along with a new refueling system and other improvements along Bakersfield’s bus routes.
Fresno bus improvements: Fresno received a $52.1 million grant from the state for its FAX bus system and other projects.
- The city will use $21.5 million to help expand transit along Church Ave., $23.2 million to help fund a hydrogen fueling facility, $6.9 million to help fund accessible bus stop improvements and $450,000 for an on-demand improvement study to conduct a needs analysis for non-paratransit on-demand service.
Flying high: Along with the transit funding, Fresno Yosemite International Airport announced that it is receiving $6 million in additional funding from the Federal Aviation Administration’s Airport Terminal Program.
- The funding, which comes as part of the 2021 infrastructure bill, will help out with the new terminal concourse, adding to a $7.1 million allocation from last year.
North Valley rail: The San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission and the San Joaquin Joint Power Authority is also receiving $70 million from the state for several projects along the Valley Rail project.
- That includes the Stockton Diamond Grade separation and a new Madera station for high-speed rail.
What they’re saying: These funds will be instrumental in helping our transportation department meet and exceed the expectations of our community,” said Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer. “The residents of Fresno rely on FAX to get them to work, doctor appointments, school, and everywhere they need to go. I’m proud of our team and the work they do every day to provide the best service possible.”
