With the passage of California Senate Bill 1 (Beall), several new transportation funding programs were created which help the Agency leverage Measure X to fully fund projects in Monterey County. The Senate Bill 1 grant programs that Agency staff are pursuing include the following: Local Partnership Program, Solutions for Congested Corridors Program and the Trade Corridor Enhancements Program. Through these three grant programs, Agency staff are seeking a total of $20 million to bridge the funding gap for the construction of the State Route 156 Castroville Boulevard Interchange project. Staff are pursuing all three programs to give the California Transportation Commission the most flexibility in supporting this critical safety project.
The primary objective of the Local Partnership Program is to provide funding to jurisdictions whereby voters have approved fees or taxes solely dedicated to transportation improvements. The program aims to help local and regional agencies address aging infrastructure, improve road conditions, support active transportation, transit and rail, and provide health and safety benefits. Forty percent (40%) of Local Partnership Program funds are distributed through this competitive basis. Grant applications are due for this program by June 22, 2020.
The Solutions for Congested Corridors Program provides funding for projects that implement transportation performance improvements, while preserving the character of local communities. To qualify for this program, the Agency will need to adopt a comprehensive multi-modal corridor plan prior to submittal of the grant application. The current grant cycle is the last opportunity for the Agency to rely on a comprehensive, integrated plan document built on previous studies along the Route 156 corridor. Staff developed the draft plan in-house and have been collaborating with Caltrans on reviewing the draft plan. Staff anticipate bringing it to the Board for adoption in June 2020. Grant applications for this program are due July 17, 2020.
The purpose of the Trade Corridor Enhancement Program is to provide funding for infrastructure on federally recognized trade corridors. State Route 156 is identified as a Terminal Access Route to the National Truck Network for its role in the agricultural economy. The Trade Corridor program funds projects designated to move freight more efficiently on corridors with high volumes of freight. Two of the program's goals which align with the project include improving safety by eliminating at-grade crossings and reducing freight impacts to surrounding communities. Grant applications for the Trade Corridors program are due August 3, 2020.