The following statement was made by Jim Hartnett, general manager and CEO of Caltrain:
“Today the Federal Transit Administration announced that they will execute a Full Funding Grant Agreement committing $647 million to the Caltrain Electrification project.
Caltrain has worked for over two decades to plan this critical improvement. Over the last few years, more than $1.3 billion was secured from local, regional and State commitments, and contracts were awarded to design, and eventually construct the project. This agreement commits the final funding needed to start construction of a project that will transform and improve the way people travel along one of the region’s most congested corridors.
We are very thankful to U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao and the Trump Administration for recognizing the value that Caltrain Electrification will create for the Bay Area and the nation by easing congestion in one of the country’s most economically productive regions and creating almost 10,000 American jobs in the process.
We would not be able to take this step without the dedicated support from a tireless group of advocates. Caltrain’s Congressional delegation, including Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi, Congresswoman Anna Eshoo, Congresswoman Jackie Speier, and Senators Dianne Feinstein and Kamala Harris have been unwavering in their support, and can be credited with helping the project endure its most daunting challenges.
Our private sector partners led by the San Mateo County Economic Development Association, The Silicon Valley Leadership Group and the Bay Area Council have led the effort to expertly convey how critical this project is to our region’s ability to remain economically competitive.
Lastly, Governor Jerry Brown, and California Transportation Secretary Brian Kelly have been instrumental in guiding this project forward every step of the way. The work that they have done on our behalf is testament to their enduring commitment to prioritize investment in the modernization of the State’s transportation systems.
Of course, this milestone is only possible because of widespread and vocal support from the communities we serve. Throughout this effort, Caltrain riders, businesses and residents throughout the region have been resolute in their support for a better Caltrain. We are very grateful, and we look forward to rewarding those efforts by getting to work right away building the transit system this region deserves.”
