January 28, 2010 — For the first time in its history, the Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority (CCJPA) will receive $29.2 million in federal High Speed/Intercity Passenger Rail (HSIPR) funding for three projects in Northern California to improve Capitol Corridor intercity passenger rail.
$6.2 million was awarded to the Sacramento Rail Relocation Project which will fill a funding gap and allow for the installation of a new passenger platform as part of the rail line relocation and intermodal station development program. The remaining $23 million will be allocated to easing bottleneck conditions between Sacramento and Davis—known as the Yolo Crossover—and to expand the San Jose station platforms and tracks.
These HSIPR funds were awarded through a competitive grant program administered by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) within the U.S. Department of Transportation. The award of these funds will allow each of these projects to start construction within the next 6 months.
These projects were championed by Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-Sacramento), who today announced the award of these federal funds.
“We thank Congresswoman Matsui and her colleagues of the Northern California Congressional Delegation for their efforts to improve Capitol Corridor intercity passenger rail,†CCJPA Chair Jim Holmes said. “Not only will this $29 million federal grant improve Capitol Corridor service, it positions our San Jose and Sacramento stations to become major connections with the planned high-speed trains that will serve these stations.”
“The Capitol Corridor is thrilled that the federal government has recognized the benefits that these projects will bring to Northern California,†CCJPA Managing Director David B. Kutrosky said. “We can now move full speed ahead with these projects immediately, creating much-needed jobs, improving mobility options by enhancing Capitol Corridor intercity passenger train service and generating regional economic activity.”
