Congresswoman Doris Matsui Secures Funding For Sacramento Region Initiatives

Today, Rep. Doris Matsui (CA-05) announced that the funds she secured for the relocation of the downtown Sacramento rail lines will soon be made available.

Congresswoman Doris Matsui Secures Funding For Sacramento Region Initiatives

Funds to be Released for Rail Relocation Project

Washington, D.C. - Today, Rep. Doris Matsui (CA-05) announced that the funds she secured for the relocation of the downtown Sacramento rail lines will soon be made available. Early next week, the Secretary of Transportation will open up a 30-day period for public comment, after which the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) will publish a Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) to let people know the funds are available.

The funds, totaling nearly $400,000, will be used in the track relocation project, which is a key component of the redevelopment of the downtown railyards. The relocation of the downtown rail lines involves straightening out the curve in the tracks as they approach the Amtrak Station and I Street Bridge. The relocation will separate the passenger and freight rail lines to increase safety and efficiency of service. It also will allow better access to the historic railyards.

andquot;We must invest now to complete the redevelopment of the railyards and make major improvements in the safety and security of our railways. With transit ridership steadily increasing and no end in sight to unmanageable gas prices, it is imperative that we provide ample access to transportation alternatives. The relocation of the downtown rail lines and future intermodal transit station at the site will help make this a reality,andquot; said Rep. Matsui.

In addition to the funding secured by Rep. Matsui, there will also be funding available from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to administer a competitive grant program. This provides the city and state another opportunity to secure federal funding for this project.

andquot;The Rail Line Relocation Project will bring a host of benefits to the region, including increased capacity for trains, reduced delays, and improved air quality. In Sacramento, we are a true transportation leader, showing the rest of the country that transportation initiatives can and should be undertaken that will be beneficial to passengers, the community, our environment, and the region's economic future,andquot; said Rep. Matsui.

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