SMART in line to be awarded $81M to extend to northern Sonoma County

Petaluma, CA —The Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART) District is pleased to announce an $81M award recommended from the State of California to extend passenger rail service to communities in northern Sonoma County. The funding is from two grant programs, the Solutions for Congested Corridors (SCCP) and Local Partnership Competitive (LPPC) Programs and is being matched by $187.7 million in other secured Federal, State, Regional and local funds. In addition to the extension funds, the SCCP award includes an additional $6 million to acquire a zero-emission locomotive for the SMART railroad. With this award, SMART will bring environmentally friendly and modern rail service and pathway from the newly opened Windsor Station north through Healdsburg to the northern Healdsburg city limits, addressing crucial transportation needs in the region.

“Full steam ahead! The momentum is real and the SMART Train keeps on chugging north and will soon be serving riders from one end of the North Bay to the other! This success builds off the state’s prior $40 million investment to connect the Sonoma County Airport with the Town of Windsor," Pro Tempore McGuire said. "A huge thanks to North Bay voters for making this vision come to life and the dynamic team at SMART who always keep the trains running on time. We can’t wait to hear whistles blowing soon in Healdsburg!”

“We can’t thank the State of California enough for this $81M award and for the State’s unwavering partnership and support, bringing us closer than ever to fulfilling the vision that voters had when they decided in 2008 to approve the SMART rail and pathway project,” said Chris Coursey, Chair of the SMART Board of Directors. “Northern Sonoma County is an important part of the Bay Area and extending our rail and pathway to Healdsburg and the Alexander Valley will connect people to jobs and grow regional-tourism-supported industries. We look forward to delivering this critical project by 2028, extending on the huge success of our Windsor Station opening just a week ago.”

These project grant awards, led by the California State Transportation Agency, the California Transportation Commission, and in collaboration with the Department of Transportation (Caltrans), will significantly increase transit options for Bay Area and Northern Sonoma County residents and visitors. The extension will provide a sustainable alternative to car travel by expanding passenger rail service and supporting active transportation through a new paved bicycle and pedestrian pathway. The new rail infrastructure is also planned to support future short-line freight services, enhancing the region's overall connectivity. Rail elements of the project bring essential upgrades such as new rail tracks, a new station, improved crossings, Positive Train Control (PTC) rail safety technology, and expanded broadband capacity.

"SMART and Healdsburg are working hard every day to invest in our community and deliver on the promise to bring passenger rail to Healdsburg. We are grateful to our state and regional partners for believing in us and realizing that an investment in Healdsburg is more than just an investment in a charming town, it is an investment in a regional economic engine," said SMART Board member and Healdsburg Councilwoman Ariel Kelley. "Everywhere I go, people say they can't wait to be able to take the train to Healdsburg for lunch. I am personally just as thrilled my family and neighbors can take our kids on a bike ride on the Foss Creek Pathway to the SMART Station and ride the train to San Rafael for lunch. SMART is truly connecting communities."

Extension of Bicycle and Pedestrian Pathway
SMART’s northern extension includes not only expanding passenger rail service but also completes critical segments of the SMART Pathway, also known as the Foss Creek Pathway within the City of Healdsburg and the Great Redwood Trail. This non-motorized paved pathway will connect segments of path opening soon as part of the SMART Windsor extension to the completed Foss Creek Pathway in Healdsburg. This vital addition will provide a safe, non-motorized travel option for cyclists and walkers, offering an alternative to car travel and enhancing connectivity to northern communities. The SMART Pathway/Great Redwood Trail, will be an important part of the region's active transportation network, linking people to key destinations and supporting sustainable, healthy modes of travel.

“This award is due to strong partnerships and a willingness to think beyond our immediate borders to achieve a better future for our region. Together, we are enhancing mobility across Sonoma and Marin counties, building safer and more resilient transportation systems for our families and North Bay neighbors,” said Mary Sackett, Marin County Supervisor, Chair of the Great Redwood Trail Agency, and Vice Chair of the SMART Board of Directors. “This award also demonstrates collective commitment to complete the voter approved system and will create genuine transportation choice. I can’t wait to ride the train to Healdsburg, hop on one of the City’s electric share bikes and check out the Great Redwood Trail and all Healdsburg has to offer!”

SMART’s northern extension will reduce congestion on major roads like Highway 101, offer safe and reliable alternative travel choice, foster economic growth by bringing more tourists to the region, and improve access to jobs, education, and healthcare. It also aligns with regional environmental goals by offering a low-emission travel option and bolstering resilience through expanded broadband access for public use and emergency response.

“This project is going to change the region profoundly and forever for the better. The completion of SMART through Healdsburg and Cloverdale is being incorporated into regional transportation investment plans as a priority,” said Santa Rosa Councilwoman Victoria Fleming, who also serves as a member of the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) and the SMART Board of Directors. “At MTC, we are matching local voter commitment with regional resources and creating a community asset which provides the best regional benefit possible. We’re grateful to everyone who has made this progress possible.”

Next Steps
The California Transportation Commission is scheduled to consider this recommended award for adoption at their June 26-27, 2025 meeting in Sacramento.

The SMART Board is anticipated to consider award of a Progressive Design Build delivery contract for the project in Fall 2025, with construction work beginning as early as Spring 2026. As the project progresses, SMART will work with local jurisdictions and community members, communicating up to date information and seeking input. Project completion is planned by the end of 2028.

This extension represents a true community partnership effort and is a significant step forward in providing efficient, safe, and sustainable transportation solutions for Sonoma County and the North Bay.