Caltrans has awarded $23.6 million in statewide planning grants to support climate‑resiliency, multimodal mobility, and long‑range transportation improvements, according to a May 29, 2026 announcement. The funding supports 58 projects across California, including efforts focused on active transportation, disaster‑preparedness planning, transit‑access improvements, and greenhouse‑gas reduction strategies.
The agency reported that $20.4 million of the total funding will support Sustainable Communities Competitive and Technical Grants, while $3.2 million will fund Strategic Partnerships Grants. Nearly $14 million of the overall amount comes from Senate Bill 1, the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017. Additional funding sources include the State Highway Account, the Federal Highway Administration’s State Planning and Research Program, and the Federal Transit Administration’s Section 5304 program.
Caltrans stated that 86 percent of the funded projects will benefit under‑resourced communities, including rural, tribal, and disadvantaged urban areas. The grants are intended for planning and early‑stage design work, allowing local agencies to advance projects that improve safety, expand multimodal access, and strengthen infrastructure resilience against climate‑driven hazards such as flooding, wildfire, and extreme heat.
The projects span a wide range of transportation needs, including bicycle and pedestrian corridor planning, transit‑reliability studies, railroad‑crossing safety improvements, and regional mobility assessments. Several projects support long‑term planning for zero‑emission transportation infrastructure, including electric‑vehicle charging networks.
Caltrans officials said the grants are part of the state’s broader effort to modernize transportation systems while reducing emissions and improving community connectivity. The awards do not fund construction but serve as a required step for agencies seeking future state or federal capital funding.
Sources
- Caltrans
- Lassen News
- Gridley Herald
- AASHTO Journal
- San Bernardino American News