Highway 101 widening on top project list for submission to Trump administration
The State of California included the South Coast U.S. Highway 101 HOV widening project on its list of high priority transportation projects that may be submitted to the Trump administration for the president’s new proposed federal transportation investment program.
“I am very pleased the 101 HOV Widening Project is recognized by the State of California as one of the nation’s most important infrastructure investments,” said Santa Barbara County Association of Governments Executive Director Marjie Kirn. “The 101 Highway is one of only two highways connecting Southern California to the Bay Area and is a critical economic link for goods movement from our region to the rest of the country.”
“Including the 101 freeway on the national list of priority transportation investments will increase our chances for new federal funding to complete the 101 HOV widening project and create new multi-modal commute options to reduce traffic congestion for local residents,” added Kirn.
The National Governor’s Association has been tasked with assembling a list of candidate projects from across the country for inclusion in a new national infrastructure investment program supported by Donald Trump.
Although Congress has yet to consider legislation, increased federal infrastructure investment may have bipartisan support.
Measure A, Santa Barbara County’s Transportation Sales Tax Measure and Transportation Investment Plan, lists the South Coast Highway 101 HOV Widening project as the region’s highest transportation priority. The Highway 101 HOV Widening is now more than half-way complete and construction is underway in Carpinteria on the third of four phases. The SBCAG Board will consider future construction scheduling at its March 16th meeting in Santa Maria.
