Local News
California State Transportation Agency awarded BART a $49 million grant for projects at three stations
Oakland, California – According to an announcement made on Friday by officials, the California State Transportation Agency will be awarding a $49 million grant to BART.
The grant will be used to continue improvements at BART stations in Oakland and El Cerrito, including the construction of enhanced pedestrian access and public space.
The Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program funds projects that decrease greenhouse gas emissions while also improving urban commuter rail, ferry, and bus systems. The grant will support improvements at the Lake Merrit, West Oakland, and El Cerrito Plaza stations that would ultimately lead to the construction of over 2,000 housing units across the three stations.
Bart officials said that at least thirty percent of the units will be available at prices lower than the current market rate.
According to BART General Manager Bob Powers, “These investments will drive greenhouse gas emissions savings and reduce vehicle miles traveled by increasing ridership on BART at these sites. The developments will serve people of all income levels by linking housing affordability with access to opportunity.”
Officials from BART have said that they anticipate the total cost of the project to be close to 77 million dollars.