Rep. Panetta Announces $1 Million for the Guadalupe River Trail
San Jose, CA – United States Representative Jimmy Panetta was joined by San Jose Vice Mayor Pam Foley, City of San Jose Department of Parks, Recreation, and Neighborhood Services Jon Cicirelli, Santa Clara County Supervisors Sylvia Arenas and Betty Duong, and Erikson Neighborhood Association President Dave Noel to announce $1 million in federal funding for the City of San Jose to extend the Guadalupe River Trail from Chynoweth Avenue to Branham Lane. The funding, which Rep. Panetta secured in the most recent appropriations package, will support the construction of the next segment of the Guadalupe Trail, connecting Branham neighborhood residents to miles of open trails. The completion of this project will increase accessibility to green spaces, promoting public health and increasing quality of life for San Jose residents.
“The extension of the Guadalupe River Trail would allow South San Jose to connect to the San Francisco Bay,” said Rep. Panetta. “By extending the Guadalupe River Trail, we move one step closer to a continuous through line and greenway in the area. I am proud to work with our local partners and ensure that the federal government plays its part to help not just to connect our neighborhoods, but also strengthen our sense of community in San Jose.”
“Congressman Panetta continues to show that leaders who stay focused on results can deliver for their communities. Thanks to his efforts, we’ll have more green space in San José,” said Mayor Matt Mahan. “That’s the kind of public service San Joséans expect and deserve.”
“Today is a great day for San José and for everyone who values safe, accessible outdoor spaces in our community,” said Vice Mayor Pam Foley. “I want to thank Congressman Jimmy Panetta for securing this $1 million federal investment to help move forward the build-out of Reach 12 of the Guadalupe River Trail. Congressman Panetta has been a strong partner for our region, and this funding demonstrates his commitment to investing in infrastructure that improves the quality of life for our residents.”
“Enhanced trail connectivity creates a special opportunity for neighborhoods and communities in Santa Clara County to unite through vibrant open spaces and outdoor recreation," said Supervisor Sylvia Arenas, representing District 1 on the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors. "With this community grant secured by Congressman Panetta, the revitalization of Guadalupe River Trail will strengthen our trail network while playing a key role in our Countywide Trails Master Plan.”
“We’re excited that this grant will help bring the entire Guadalupe River Trail closer to completion,” said Jon Cicirelli, Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services Director. “This segment will provide a new recreational area, improving pedestrian and bike access for the residents to enjoy.”
“Today marks a key milestone for our neighborhood. We’ve been actively working on this with the City of San Jose PRNS Trails team for over a decade beginning with the Guadalupe River Trail Master Plan development,” said Erikson Neighborhood Association President Dave Noel. “We can’t wait for the trail connection and percolation pond loop trail to open and provide class 1 trails for daily enjoyment, as well as regional off-road connectivity, and ultimately connect Almaden Valley all the way to the San Francisco Bay in a safe beautiful trail network.”
The Guadalupe River Trail is a regional trail in the City of San Jose that, upon completion, will connect the San Francisco Bay Trail to South San Jose via Downtown San Jose, with links to several connector trails in between. This project will construct the next segment of the Guadalupe River Trail, connecting to the existing alignment that travels from Lake Almaden Park north to Chynoweth Avenue. The new segment would include 0.54 miles from Chynoweth Avenue north to Branham Lane.
Rep. Panetta worked for this federal funding to be included in the most recent appropriations package, For FY 2026, he secured $3.75 million in community project funding for local projects across Santa Clara County, and a total of over $15 million to fund 14 local projects in California’s 19th Congressional District.
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