SMART awarded $32M for extension of passenger rail to Healdsburg and purchase of low emission freight locomotives

Tuesday, September 26, 2023 - 8:30am

The Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit District (SMART) is pleased to announce the agency has been awarded a $32M grant in Federal Railroad Administration, Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvement funds.

For Immediate Release
September 25, 2023

SMART awarded $32M for extension of passenger rail to Healdsburg and purchase of low emission freight locomotives

Standing on the Healdsburg rail bridge are from left to right; Sonoma County Supervisor James Gore, Congressman Jared Huffman, SMART General Manager Eddy Cumins, SMART Board Vice Chair Melanie Bagby, Healdsburg Mayor Ariel Kelley, and SMART Board Chair Eric Lucan

This grant award marks a significant milestone in SMART's ongoing effort to extend passenger rail to Healdsburg and Cloverdale. The grant is comprised of two major components: $28M for the implementation of Positive Train Control (PTC) Systems for SMART's 5.5-mile passenger and freight rail line between Windsor and Healdsburg and $4M for the replacement of older, high-emission freight locomotives with lower emission, environmentally sustainable Tier IV freight switcher locomotives.

Congressman Jared Huffman’s support and advocacy for this project was instrumental in securing the grant award. "SMART is a vital artery in our communities, connecting people and commerce throughout the North Bay. They have been a leader on innovative infrastructure improvements, like this project that will cut greenhouse gas emissions and provide a reliable public transportation alternative," said Rep. Huffman. "This has been a long time in the making with a massive display of support community-wide – and I'm glad to have been able to assist by securing this latest grant. This tranche of funding will help SMART extend its reach while keeping pace with a changing climate, better serving our region and the people who depend on its services."

Enhancing Sustainable Transportation and Resiliency
Built over a century ago, this publicly owned rail line has been a vital transportation asset for the region. Achieving climate resiliency and providing access to essential services such as education, employment, healthcare, and housing depend on a robust transportation system serving the North Bay. Extending SMART northward to Windsor, Healdsburg, and Cloverdale will unlock opportunities for individuals residing along the entire SMART corridor.

"This grant is a testament to the remarkable momentum we've achieved in our mission to secure the funding necessary for the Healdsburg rail extension. The recent grants we've received are due in part to the expressions of incredible community support for the northern extensions through the application process. This milestone propels us closer to realizing our vision of a more accessible and sustainable North Bay, where SMART's services reach Windsor, Healdsburg, and beyond," said Eric Lucan, SMART Board Chair.

Standing on the Healdsburg rail bridge are from left to right; SMART General Manager Eddy Cumins, Healdsburg Mayor Ariel Kelley, Sonoma County Supervisor James Gore, Congressman Jared Huffman, SMART Board Chair Eric Lucan, and SMART Board Vice Chair Melanie Bagby.

Each component of this CRISI-funded project brings its own set of benefits. The PTC Systems will ensure enhanced safety and efficiency on the rail line, enabling the restoration and expansion of passenger and freight rail services. Replacing locomotives with environmentally friendly Tier IV models will reduce emissions and enhance the reliability of SMART's freight services.

This significant grant award represents a crucial step forward in SMART's mission to provide sustainable, accessible, and efficient rail transportation for the communities it serves. SMART looks forward to the continued support of its partners and community stakeholders as it works diligently to make this project a reality.

Funding for SMART Northern Extensions
The extension to Windsor is fully funded, and construction is expected to resume this fall. The rail and path extension to Healdsburg has secured $106M of grant funds, estimated at 65% of the needed funds to complete the project.

Passenger rail service is a vital part of the North Bay's economy, and expanding the SMART railway northward will bring economic opportunities by strengthening our housing, business, and community infrastructure and creating hundreds of construction jobs.

SMART will soon begin constructing a new second station serving Petaluma and 12 additional miles of multiuse pathway. The Petaluma North station is slated to be completed in early 2025. Extensions to Windsor, Healdsburg, and Cloverdale include extending the bicycle and pedestrian pathway and connecting people to SMART passenger services for first- and last-mile transportation choices. When completed, the bicycle and pedestrian pathway—part of the Great Redwood Trail system—will connect communities from Marin to Humboldt County.

SMART is a popular mode of transportation for commuters, students, and leisure travelers, and 15% of riders bring bicycles onboard the train. SMART recently launched SMART Connect, an on-demand microtransit shuttle connecting the SMART Sonoma County Airport Station to the Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport.

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Agency Contact:
Julia Gonzalez, Communications and Marketing Manager
Office: 707-794-3063 | Mobile: 707-981-1028
jgonzalez@sonomamarintrain.org