U.S. Rep. Kevin Mullin, D-San Mateo, secured nearly $13 million in federal funding to support various local infrastructure projects across the Peninsula and in San Francisco, his office announced this week.
Millions of dollars will help fund projects like revamping roadways and bike lanes, improving public transit infrastructure and expanding childcare centers, according to Mullin’s office.
The money was secured through Community Project Funding, a federal grant system where representatives can request financial support for local projects in their districts.
“This funding will help with some of the most needed and valuable government services in our community,” Mullin said in a statement Wednesday. “I’m eager to see this funding benefit families across our district.”
Major transportation infrastructure
The largest chunk of the money, more than $3 million, will support the Caltrain Broadway Grade Separation Project in Burlingame. The crossing where cars and trains meet is considered one of the most dangerous railroad crossings in the state, according to Mullin. The project involves elevating the tracks above the road to help mitigate congestion and improve traffic safety.
Two million dollars will contribute to the design and construction of traffic safety improvements along Woodland Avenue between University Avenue and Newell Road in East Palo Alto. The project plans to feature new sidewalks, pavement repairs, Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility upgrades, traffic-calming additions, updated signage and striping, and improved stormwater management.
Community facilities, environmental projects
Another $1.2 million has been designated for the renovation of a day care center in San Mateo. The center’s dated building is only able to function as a part-time day care, but the renovation will allow the center to operate full-time for low-income families.
A little over $1 million will be contributed to the Vista Grande Drainage Basin Improvement Project in Daly City. The purpose of the project is to improve stormwater drainage and lower flooding risk, as well as provide a water source for Lake Merced.
Neighborhood safety, transit, parks
Mullin has also secured $850,000 to support safety upgrades for bicyclists and pedestrians on Huntington Avenue in San Bruno. The funding will help with the construction of a two-way bicycle path that includes a concrete barrier, improved lighting and signals for pedestrians.
The project to revamp the intersection at state Highway 84 and U.S. Highway 101, also known as the SR84/U.S. 101 Interchange Reimagined project, will get $850,000. The project aims to address issues with traffic safety, merging, and congestion. The funding will support roadway safety upgrades, improved bicycling and walking paths, and the reconfiguration of on- and off-ramps.
Nearly $1 million will go toward facility upgrades at a family resource center in San Francisco’s Visitacion Valley. The renovations involve installing an elevator, increasing capacity, remodeling second floor offices, and better storm drainage.
The Westborough Preschool will receive $850,000, allowing the center to double its capacity from 60 preschoolers to 120 preschoolers.
In San Carlos, $500,000 will help support infrastructure and safety upgrades at the Holly Street and U.S. Highway 101 overpass. On- and off-ramps will be reconfigured and a 12-foot-wide pedestrian and bicycle path on the overpass will be added.
Another $550,000 has been secured to acquire and install technology for the San Mateo Police Department’s Real Time Information Center, a centralized hub for real-time intelligence and camera monitoring for law enforcement and first responders.
A project to renovate the Crocker Amazon Playground Park in San Francisco will get $250,000. Improvements include picnic areas, new swings, slides, climbing structures, balance beams and trees.
The SamTrans Bus Stop Improvement Plan will receive $250,000. The plan will add upgrades to San Mateo County Transit District bus stops in San Mateo County by installing over 170 new bus shelters, 75 new bus boarding islands, and nearly 200 digital real-time information signs.
Finally, $250,000 is designated for supporting safe connections from the Sawyer Camp Trail to the Bay Trail, other regional parks, commercial areas and transit centers. The project will focus on closing a gap between the Sawyer Camp Trail and the Bay Trail.