Rep. Panetta Announces Significant Federal Investment for Boulder Creek Complete Streets Improvement Project
Boulder Creek, CA – United States Representative Jimmy Panetta was joined by Santa Cruz County Supervisor Monica Martinez, Executive Director of the Regional Transportation Commission (SCCRTC) Sarah Christiansen, Director of Community Development Matt Machado, Boulder Creek Business Association (BCBA) President Tess Fitzgerald, and Chief Mark Bingham of the Boulder Creek Fire Protection District to announce $850,000 in federal funding for the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission to fund the Boulder Creek Complete Streets Project, which will improve critical road infrastructure along Highway 9 and Highway 236. The funding announced today will be used to update critical public road infrastructure along Highways 9 and 236 to improve road safety and accessibility for drivers, pedestrians, families and local businesses.
“Although Highway 9 is a lifeline for the San Lorenzo Valley, it also can be a major hazard for some of the communities on the road,” said Rep. Panetta. “By investing in the infrastructure along the roadways, this improvement project will ensure a slower highway and a safer main street for Boulder Creek. This is a big project that will take all levels of government coming together, so I’m proud to ensure that the federal government through the power of its purse played a part in funding the Boulder Creek Complete Streets Improvement Project.”
The funding announced today will be used to update critical public road infrastructure along Highways 9 and 236 to improve road safety and accessibility for drivers, pedestrians, families and local businesses. This section of highway weaves the community together but has seen a tragic series of pedestrian and bicycle collisions. These congressionally-funded improvements will add sidewalks, medians, bike lanes, and improved crosswalks to enhance downtown Boulder Creek and make Highway 9 safer for everyone.
“I am so grateful to Congressman Panetta’s office for this funding,” said Santa Cruz County Supervisor Monica Martinez. “Highway 9 is the backbone of the San Lorenzo Valley. It is how most residents commute to their jobs; it’s a main evacuation route; and it’s used by tourists who come to visit our beautiful towns and open spaces – including the Big Basin State Park. Despite having only a population of 5,300, Boulder Creek’s main intersection sees nearly 17,000 trips every day and more than double the collision and injury rates of comparable California corridors. By expanding sidewalks, bike lanes, lighting, signage, and other critical safety measures, this project will help improve pedestrian and bicycle access to our elementary school, local businesses, library, and bus stops.”
“This project is a top priority for RTC’s program in San Lorenzo Valley because it addresses safety concerns along Highway 9 in Boulder Creek, which has accident rates that exceed the state average for similar facilities,” SCCRTC Executive Director Sarah Christiansen. “While our local Measure D sales tax provides critical funding to move projects forward, it is not enough on its own—state and federal investments like this are essential to successful delivery of these improvements. This funding allows us to take a major step forward in advancing meaningful safety upgrades, and we look forward to continuing our partnership with the Boulder Creek community to create a safer, more accessible, and vibrant downtown for years to come.”
“If you’ve ever tried to cross Highway 9 on a busy day, you know why we’re here. I especially want to thank Congressman Jimmy Panetta for securing funding for this project,” said BCBA President Tess Fitzgerald. “At the end of the day, this is about making Boulder Creek safer and easier for the people who live here, work here, and visit. When people feel safe spending time downtown, our businesses grow – and the whole community benefits.
Rep. Panetta worked for this federal funding to be included in the most recent appropriations package, For FY 2026, he secured $5.92 million in community project funding for local projects across Santa Cruz County, and a total of over $15 million to fund 14 local projects in California’s 19th Congressional District.
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