Rep. Panetta Announces Federal Investment in Coastal Trail Projects
Santa Cruz, CA – United States Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) announced a new federal investment in coastal trail projects in California’s 19th Congressional District. The U.S. Department of Transportation awarded $19.5 million to the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) to support the segments of the Coastal Rail Trail.
The grant award will fund construction of 8 miles of the Coastal Rail Trail in Santa Cruz County between Pacific Avenue in Santa Cruz and Rio del Mar Boulevard in Aptos. The $19.5 million in federal funds will be combined with state and 2016 Measure D funds to fully fund the new dedicated bicycle and pedestrian facility that serves some of the most densely populated areas in Santa Cruz County. The 32-mile Coastal Rail Trail is the “spine” of the regional Monterey Bay Sanctuary Scenic Trail Network (MBSST), a planned 50-mile bicycle and pedestrian trail network along the Santa Cruz County coast, from the San Mateo County line in the north to the Monterey County line in the south.
Project benefits include improved safety for bicyclists and pedestrians, expanded access to coastal resources, increased connectivity to employment, recreation, and housing opportunities, and reductions in vehicle miles traveled (VMT) that will decrease greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
“Residents of Santa Cruz County recently made clear through democratic measures that they want to enjoy the outdoors while using alternative modes of transportation,” said Rep. Panetta. “This significant federal investment will help them fulfill that goal by expanding trail options with a safe network of pathways for cyclists and pedestrians. The people spoke and the federal government responded with this federal funding that will support the future of our environment and transportation.”
“Today, we take an important step forward with this $19.5 million federal RAISE grant award to advance 8 miles of the Coastal Rail Trail,” said Eduardo Montesino, Chair of the RTC. “This funding will improve access to sustainable transportation and the coast, supporting economic growth and a better quality of life for both residents and visitors. We appreciate the support from our federal partners in making this project possible.”
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