Have ideas for projects to improve your ability to bike and walk in your neighborhoods? Now’s the time to tell your elected officials – there’s $360 million at stake.
Caltrans has called for cities and counties throughout the state to apply by May 21 for a share of the millions of dollars in funding now available because of California’a new Active Transportation Program.
“Today’s transportation system is about more than just highways,” said Caltrans Director Malcolm Dougherty in a news release. “Active transportation projects are a good investment and will help achieve mobility, safety, and greenhouse gas reduction goals for California.”
The program will receive about $120 million annually, so the $360 million figure announced by Caltrans represents expected spending for three years.
After the May deadline, the California Transportation Commission and Caltrans will review the projects and award grants in August and November. Forty percent of the funding is set to go to metropolitan planning organizations – like the San Diego Association of Governments, or SANDAG – in urban areas. Small urban and rural areas will receive 10 percent. The remainder will be distributed statewide.
According to Caltrans, the percentage of residents walking, biking, or using public transportation daily has more than doubled since 2000. Almost a quarter of household trips were done via walking, biking or public transit, far more than the 11 percent 14 years ago.
For more information California residents’ efforts to be more active while commuting, see the 2011-12 Caltrans Report.
