The Sacramento Regional Transit District (SacRT) is thrilled to announce that it has been awarded a total of $4.4 million in state grant funding for three projects aimed at enhancing transportation infrastructure and addressing climate change impacts within the Sacramento region. These grants underscore SacRT's commitment to sustainable and accessible transit options across the region.

The grant awards are as follows:

Strategic Growth Council Affordable Housing Sustainable Communities (AHSC) Grant - $3.2 Million
This significant grant funding will enable SacRT, in partnership with Bridge Housing, to make critical improvements to eight bus stops and fund platform modifications at the Arden/Del Paso Station on the Blue Line, ensuring that it meets the height requirements for the deployment of new low-floor light rail trains.

These enhancements will improve the overall transit experience for riders while contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, as part of the AHSC award, BRIDGE Housing will transform the vacant land and unoccupied buildings at 440 Arden Way into a vibrant mixed-use development including 124 affordable homes. The ground floor will include a commercial childcare center available to residents of the broader neighborhood, a resident services suite, community room, and a multipurpose room, surrounding a courtyard with playgrounds and community gardens.

Caltrans Climate Adaptation Planning Grant - $730,209
In a collaboration effort with the City of Sacramento and SacRT funds were secured to address the impacts of climate change. The project involves a comprehensive multi-hazard risk assessment of transportation systems, the development of adaptation solutions, and the creation of a prioritized list of transit projects using a multi-criteria analysis.

Ultimately, this initiative will lead to the integration of climate change adaptation strategies into the capital improvement process, providing both the City and SacRT with actionable efforts to reduce climate change impacts on our transportation infrastructure.

Caltrans Climate Adaptation Grant - $470,000
SacRT, in partnership with the City of Elk Grove, has received funding to further plan and conceptual design for extending the Blue Line light rail and/or bus rapid transit from the city of Sacramento to the city of Elk Grove. This project encompasses an existing conditions report, alignment and station location recommendations, ridership projections, technical analysis, traffic modeling, and station area plans.

The collaboration, supported by the Sacramento Area Council of Governments (SACOG), will engage various stakeholders and involve extensive community participation, ensuring that the project aligns with the needs and aspirations of the community.

"These grants mark a significant milestone in our efforts to enhance transit accessibility, increase housing and reduce our region's carbon footprint,” said SacRT General Manager/CEO Henry Li. “We are committed to delivering sustainable and innovative solutions that will not only improve transit services but also contribute to a greener and more resilient future for the Sacramento region."

“The City of Elk Grove annexed its transit services with SacRT in 2021 to improve regional connectivity and to expand a high-capacity transit solution into the city of Elk Grove,” said Elk Grove Mayor and SacRT Director Bobbie Singh-Allen. “As Elk Grove grows with more mixed-use higher density housing projects, I am excited to see the partnership with SacRT ensure efficient and reliable transit is being incorporated.”

“As the region prepares for the impacts of climate change, I am thrilled the City of Sacramento and SacRT are partnering on adaptation and resiliency solutions,” said SacRT Vice Chair and Sacramento City Councilmember Rick Jennings. “These funds will reduce climate change impacts on our transportation systems and promote health, safety and mobility.”

"BRIDGE Housing is proud to partner with SacRT on 440 Arden Way,” said BRIDGE Housing President & CEO Ken Lombard. “This high-impact investment supports our shared goal of bringing this community alive with 124 affordable homes and supportive services near high-quality transportation, education, and jobs to support our residents and their neighbors to thrive."

These grants showcase the dedication of SacRT and its many partners in making transit more efficient, accessible, and environmentally responsible. SacRT is excited to embark on these transformative projects and looks forward to working closely with the community to bring these initiatives to fruition.

For more information about these projects, visit https://www.sacrt.com/projects.