The Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017 (Senate Bill 1) provides the first significant, stable, and on-going increase in state transportation funding in more than two decades. The California Legislature provided additional funding to the California Transportation Commission and created several new programs for the Commission to oversee.  These programs included the Trade Corridor Enhancement Program, which provides competitive grant funds to projects designed to move freight more efficiently on corridors with high volumes of freight. 

On December 2, 2020, the California Transportation Commission awarded $20 million to fund the State Route 156 Castroville Boulevard Interchange project. The Transportation Agency submitted the grant application for the project in partnership with the Caltrans.

TAMC’s ability to compete for these funds was made possible by the passage of Measure X, the 3/8 of a percent transportation sales tax approved by Monterey County voters in 2016. By having this local source of transportation funding, the Transportation Agency successfully leveraged $2.525 million in Measure X funding and $5 million in the regional developer fees for the additional $20 million from the SB 1 Trade Corridor Enhancement Program. The $20 million represents 67.8% of construction costs.

The State Route 156 Castroville Boulevard Interchange Project will replace the existing at-grade signalized intersection on State Route 156 West at Castroville Boulevard with a new grade separated interchange. The project will enhance safety for residents of Castroville, reduce traffic congestion for trucks traveling to and from the region's largest agricultural distribution center, improve access for visitors to the world-famous Monterey Peninsula and improve the quality of life for all communities along the corridor. The project includes installing 3 roundabouts at intersections with Castroville Boulevard and frontage roads to significantly improve the flow of traffic and enhance safety for commuters, tourists and truck drivers within the project area. Additionally, the project will fill a gap in the regional bicycle and pedestrian network with added bicycle lanes and sidewalks.

In order to receive these grant funds, the Transportation Agency is required to enter into a Baseline Agreement with the California Transportation Commission. The agreement sets forth the agreed upon expected benefits, project scope, schedule, and cost. The agreement also identifies the agency responsible for meeting the reporting requirements and implementing the project.  In this case, Caltrans will be the project sponsor responsible for implementation.

Once the baseline agreement has been approved by all parties, the Transportation Agency will be able to request an allocation of grant funds from the California Transportation Commission. The State Route 156 Castroville Boulevard Interchange project is expected to start construction in Fall 2022.