SMART Board of Directors approve $21.4 million Capital Improvement Plan

SMART plans to leverage these funds for $60-80 million in construction grants.

"In this economic environment, we should celebrate the allocation of $21.4M to capital improvement projects," said David Rabbitt, Chair of the SMART Board of Directors, "but it should be noted that this is a result of tightening our belts and running a lean organization."

Recommendations in the Capital Improvement Plan include two rail projects, advancing all remaining pathway projects to shovel-ready status, and making crossing safety enhancements to several existing pathway projects as part of the Sonoma County Gap Closure Project. This project includes Santa Rosa to Rohnert Park and Penngrove to Petaluma, a $13.5M investment, scheduled to be constructed in 2022/23. 

“I am pleased that SMART has the ability to make such a significant investment in connecting our communities.” said SMART Board Director and Santa Rosa Mayor Chris Rogers. “As we open back up from the pandemic, SMART is providing the much-needed transit alternative to driving on Highway 101.”

Rail Projects
The Healdsburg Bridge over the Russian River, south of Healdsburg and $2M investment for The Petaluma 2nd Station at Corona Road in North Petaluma.

SMART is working with the City of Petaluma, Petaluma Transit, and affordable housing developer Danco Communities to submit a joint application to the State's Affordable Housing Sustainable Communities Program to fund the Petaluma North Station at Corona Road in Petaluma. 

Barbara Pahre, Vice-Chair of the SMART board, said “These Capital Improvement Projects represent SMART’s commitment to the completion of the Healdsburg and Cloverdale stations, all of the remaining pathway segments and the Petaluma North Station.” 

Pathway Projects 

The SMART multi-use pathway network connecting all stations was envisioned as a way for commuters to access the train and make connections to destinations without driving–creating a "green" alternative to commuting by car. 

“The Board has been actively listening to our community and gathering valuable feedback to help us make these complex funding decisions.” SMART Board Director Eric Lucan stated, “We’re very pleased to commit these funds to create more connections for cyclists and pedestrians throughout the North Bay.”

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