California transport projects get millions from Bipartisan Infrastructure Law

By Suzanne Potter, Producer, Public News Service

Federal dollars are pouring into California transportation projects as a result of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The Federal Transit Administration recently announced almost $8 million for 17 projects to improve public transportation for people with disabilities, older adults and low-income families.

Tiffani Scott, CEO of Paratransit, said her organization received a $134,000 grant to improve mobility van service in Sacramento.

“So, we use a very robust scheduling software, so that we can maximize the number of trips we can do and be extremely efficient. And so, the cost per trip that’s being subsidized is a fraction of what it would be if they were on a public transit service,” she explained.

The infrastructure law also funds the federal program known as “RAISE,” which stands for “Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity.” This year’s RAISE grants include $25 million each for a rail project in Santa Ana and road improvements in Rancho Cordova; plus $5 million each to improve rail lines in Escondido and near the Port of San Diego.

Scott added she applauds the Biden administration’s focus on transportation as a way to improve low-income communities.

“If we’re trying to solve issues – like job insecurity, education, workforce, homelessness, food insecurity – access is one of the largest determinants to how people can get to things. If you can’t get there, a lot of times it’s as if they’re invisible.” she continued.

In April, the feds announced more than $23 million for projects under the Thriving Communities Program. They support efforts to make neighborhoods more livable near the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, fund greenspace in Santa Rosa, and help Tulare County bid for grants to widen a key freeway in the Central Valley town of Pixley.