The California Transportation Commission approved a significant investment in the health of communities and their residents, committing $117 million to 63 Active Transportation Projects (ATP) across the state with a combined value of more than $180 million. Another 22 projects valued at $99 million were approved for funding sooner than originally planned.
Funding for these community-focused projects is made possible due to the passage of SB 1, the landmark transportation funding legislation that will generate $5.4 billion a year to rejuvenate the state’s vital transportation network.
“Californians want more choices when they head to work, to school, to the grocery store, and we need to create these new and safe options,” Chairman Bob Alvarado said. “The Active Transportation Program benefits the environment, providing an option for people to leave their vehicles at home, and also promotes health by encouraging people to be more active.”
The ATP funds projects that increase the use of active transportation by creating user-friendly bicycle and multi-use paths, sidewalks, bicycle lanes, and safe routes that children can use to reach their schools and return home each day.
In addition to creating routes for non-motorized transportation, ATP projects advance efforts to curtail greenhouse gases and trim childhood obesity, while ensuring that the state’s economically disadvantaged communities also share in the benefits that come from active transportation.
“It’s critical that all Californians benefit from SB 1 funding. This enables the state to overcome years of underfunded transportation projects,” Commissioner Carl Guardino said. “I’m proud to be playing this role in helping improve the health of Californians and our environment.”
ATP funds are distributed as follows: 50 percent going to a statewide program, 40 percent to Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPO) in urban regions with more than 200,000 residents, and 10 percent to small urban and rural regions with 200,000 or fewer residents. Projects are awarded funding on a competitive basis in all three ATP components. The Commission expects to approve ATP funding for MPO projects later this year.
California’s Active Transportation Program (ATP) is the largest of its type in the nation and funds much of the state’s walking and bicycle projects. For more information on the Commission’s Active Transportation Program, visit www.catc.ca.gov/programs/ATP.htm.
Senate Bill 1 invests approximately $54 billion over the next decade to fix roads, freeways and bridges and puts more dollars toward transit and safety. For complete details on SB 1, visit the state’s website at http://www.rebuildingca.ca.gov/.
