SMART secures funding from the Federal Transit Administration for the Larkspur extension | Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit

SMART secures funding from the Federal Transit Administration for the Larkspur extension

Monday, April 9, 2018 - 2:30pm
SMART was awarded a $22.5 million grant by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) Federal Transit Administration (FTA) today for the Larkspur extension. The funds will be used to complete the 2.1-mile extension connecting SMART’s San Rafael Station to Golden Gate Transit’s Larkspur Ferry terminal, an important link between San Francisco and the North Bay.

 

SMART secures funding from the Federal Transit Administration for the Larkspur extension

Sonoma Marin-Area Rail Transit (SMART) was awarded a $22.5 million grant by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) Federal Transit Administration (FTA) today for the Larkspur extension. The funds will be used to complete the 2.1-mile extension connecting SMART’s San Rafael Station to Golden Gate Transit’s Larkspur Ferry terminal, an important link between San Francisco and the North Bay.

"This grant will improve transportation links for the hundreds of thousands of commuters traveling in the Bay Area every day," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao.

The award is part of the FTA’s Capital Investment Grants (CIG) program, which provides funding for major transit capital infrastructure projects nationwide. "This project will provide an important multi-modal connection to transit services for those trying to reach their jobs, schools, and homes," said FTA Acting Administrator K. Jane Williams. "FTA is committed to modernizing these connections to improve safety and reliability for all users."

SMART Board of Directors Chairwoman Debora Fudge cited a positive partnership with federal officials, as key to bringing the Larkspur to fruition. "We want to thank all of our federal partners for securing funding for this important extension," said Fudge. "This provides us with the resources needed to complete our work in Larkspur, and successfully expand the system."

"Our Larkspur connection is an important link to San Francisco and will connect residents, employers and visitors to Sonoma and Marin counties," said Judy Arnold, vice chairwoman of the SMART Board of Directors. "It will provide an economic boost for the North Bay and create new opportunities for businesses, tourism and our local communities."

SMART began passenger service in August of 2017, covering 43 miles from Santa Rosa to downtown San Rafael. SMART’s Larkspur extension is currently under construction and is expected to be completed by the end of 2019. SMART also plans to extend further north into Windsor, Healdsburg, and Cloverdale.

For more information about SMART visit www.SonomaMarinTrain.org