Funding allows project to move forward with the 3.3-mile initial line that will extend from West Sacramento to Downtown.
The City of Sacramento is excited to announce the award of a $30 million state grant today that will allow the Downtown/Riverfront Streetcar project to move forward.
The grant application was submitted by Sacramento Regional Transit representing the Downtown/Riverfront Streetcar partnership that includes the cities of Sacramento and West Sacramento and the Yolo County Transportation District. The grant consists of Cap and Trade funding that would allow the purchase of cars and the construction of the 3.3-mile initial line that will extend from West Sacramento to Downtown and Midtown Sacramento.
“Today’s news moves us one step closer to our vision of Sacramento 3.0; an interconnected, innovative, transit-accessible city where people live, work, eat and play,” said Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson. “Thanks to the hard work of the City of Sacramento, Congresswoman Matsui, and all our regional partners, the state award of $30 million in Cap and Trade funds continue to shine a light on Sacramento as a leader taking steps to address climate change.”
“We are thrilled that our Streetcar project won a $30 million Cap and Trade grant from the State of California today! This project fights climate change by supporting infill development and supporting transit while also reducing congestion and connecting our city better with West Sacramento. This is a huge win for the Sacramento region that will keep moving us forward,” said Councilmember Steve Hansen.
Congresswoman Doris Matsui played a significant role in securing federal funding for the project and will continue to champion the Streetcar. The project is currently in the proposed President’s Fiscal Year 2017 budget.
“For more than 70 years, Sacramento’s streetcar system connected residents, visitors, and the region’s workforce,” said Congresswoman Matsui. “Today’s announcement adds to our momentum as we revitalize that history and bring streetcars back to Sacramento. The Downtown Riverfront Streetcar project will work with our existing public transit systems by linking residents to their final destinations, while helping our environment. Along with the commitment made by the Federal Transportation Administration, the award brings us closer to making our vision of streetcars in Sacramento a reality.”
The project will improve connections between West Sacramento and Sacramento, making stops at Raley Field, the Bridge District, Golden 1 Center, and downtown Sacramento.
Although other funds need to be secured, today’s announcement answers a critical question regarding the state’s commitment to a system that will serve a large number of state properties and state employees. Vehicle procurement and design will continue as the final budget pieces are secured. The project is expected to be operational by 2021.
The Downtown/Riverfront Streetcar project is a joint effort of the City of Sacramento, the City of West Sacramento, Sacramento Regional Transit, and Yolo Transportation District with the support of the Sacramento Area Council of Governments, the region’s transportation planning agency.