CHSRA

The California Transportation Commission (CTC) has allocated $27 million in new funding to three projects that it says will improve passenger rail and further strengthen the state's economy.

“From one end of the state to the other, transportation projects are providing good paying jobs while at the same time reducing traffic congestion for the people and businesses in California,” said Caltrans Director Malcolm Dougherty.

The allocations include funds from Proposition 1B, a transportation bond approved by voters in 2006, Proposition 1A, the high-speed passenger train bond program and other allocations came from assorted transportation accounts funded by state and federal dollars.

CTC allocated $11.89 million for the Raymond Avenue Railroad Grade Separation project at the BNSF tracks from Ash Avenue to Walnut Avenue in Fullerton; $6.5 million for the Raymer to Bernson Double Track Project, which will add track capacity on the Ventura County line and reduce train traffic interference from commuter and freight rail and $8.5 million for the Metrolink High-Speed Readiness Program, specifically for acquisition of three additional high-powered locomotives for Metrolink’s passenger rail service.

“This funding will provide Los Angeles and the surrounding areas with a better, safer and cleaner passenger rail experience in the very near future,” said California High-Speed Rail Authority Southern California Regional Director Michelle Boehm. “Modernizing and improving local rail service like Metrolink, will increase Southern Californian’s mobility and economic opportunity, while reducing harmful emissions released into the air.”