Rep. John Garamendi, Richmond Mayor Eduardo Martinez, and City Manager Shasa Curl Announce over $9 Million Federal Grant for Safer Streets
Representative John Garamendi, Richmond Mayor Eduardo Martinez, and City Manager Shasa Curl announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation awarded a $9,559,482 grant through the Reconnecting Communities Pilot Program to implement complete streets improvements that mitigate barriers to mobility and connectivity, making our community safer and better connected.
These improvements will include retrofitting arterial roads and crossings, incorporating traffic calming measures such as lane reductions, adding bicycle and pedestrian improvements that connect to regional transportation hubs and shoreline recreational resources, installing stormwater management elements, and implementing workforce development programs.
“The Reconnecting Communities Pilot program is an excellent example of what good governance can and should be, said Rep. John Garamendi. “I am proud of the close coordination between the federal government and the City of Richmond that will help keep commuters safe, ensure climate resilience, and lift barriers for disadvantaged communities. I look forward to further working with the City of Richmond as they work to make our community safer, accessible, and resilient to the effects of climate change.”
“The Reconnecting Communities Pilot program will create safer and more attractive trails for pedestrians and bicyclists along Harbour Way and Ohio Avenue, including youth and families attending local schools,” said Richmond Mayor Eduardo Martinez. “This will help encourage healthy and sustainable methods of transportation while increasing access to the benefits of Richmond’s beautiful shoreline.”
“The cutting-edge transportation projects that will be funded by the Reconnecting Communities Pilot award ensure Richmond will continue to lead the way in constructing sustainable infrastructure that empowers our communities, protects our environment, and provides opportunities for the next generation to live healthy, happy, and fulfilled lives,” said Richmond City Manager Shasa Curl.
“Having safe access to public transportation, nature, and each other is so critical in building equitable communities, and the Richmond Wellness Trail represents just that,” said Guillermo Rodriguez, Vice President of the Pacific Region and California State Director for Trust for Public Land. “Together with our partners, we’re building not just a trail, but a healthier, more vibrant Richmond for everyone, and TPL is thrilled to be part of this next phase.”
Reconnecting Communities Pilot Award
The Reconnecting Communities Pilot award is a critical part of advancing transformational transportation projects in Richmond to bridge long-standing divides in our most historically disadvantaged communities. Through infrastructure improvements to Harbour Way and Ohio Avenue, including implementation of ADA-compliant sidewalks, Class II and IV bike lanes, improved street lighting, lane reductions, and green infrastructure, the projects funded by this award will address environmental and social inequities and help foster economic and climate resilience.
Leveraged by the City of Richmond’s $35 million Transformative Climate Communities grant, these projects are integrated and complementary with other climate resilience initiatives, including the construction of an Electric Bike Lending Library, installation of free solar panels for income-qualified homeowners, and community workforce planning and programs to help reconnect Richmond’s neighborhoods with shoreline and transit hubs.
The Reconnecting Communities Pilot program is a part of the Biden Administration's Justice40, which seeks to give funding to local governments in order to mitigate barriers to mobility and connectivity for disadvantaged communities.