FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
10 September 2024
Contact: Kevin McGuire, 202-538-2386 (mobile)
LONG BEACH, CA – Today, Congresswoman Nanette Barragán (CA-44) announced the City of Long Beach has been awarded a $25 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation to enhance Pacific Avenue with new protected bike lanes, pedestrian crossings, and other safety improvements.
Congresswoman Barragán urged U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg to fund this project through the Department’s Safe Streets and Roads All (SS4A) grant program earlier this year in a letter to the Secretary. This program was established through the Infrastructure Law to advance community-led projects that reduce traffic collisions and improve the safety of all road users.
This federal investment will add two miles of protected bike lanes, eight pedestrian crossings, new transit stops, and other upgrades to Pacific Avenue, between Pacific Coast Highway and Wardlow Road.
“This critical infrastructure project will be a great addition for the City of Long Beach and the improved health and safety of its residents,” said Rep. Barragán. “This federal funding will modernize a major corridor and improve connectivity to schools, parks, public transit stations, and other key destinations between the Wrigley neighborhood and Downtown Long Beach. I was proud to advocate for this funding earlier this year to create safer streets for our communities in Long Beach.”
“As we continue to elevate and improve Long Beach’s infrastructure, projects like this will help create a healthier, more mobile community along a major corridor in West Long Beach,” said Mayor Rex Richardson. “When we invest in better infrastructure for pedestrians, cyclists, and transit users, we create safer streets for everyone. Thank you to the U.S. Department of Transportation for this key funding and to Congresswoman Barragán for her advocacy in favor of this project.”
Additionally, the City of Carson was awarded a $967,480 federal Infrastructure Law grant to update their comprehensive local road safety plan.
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Congressmember Nanette Barragán represents California’s 44th District. She sits on the House Energy and Commerce Committee and works on environmental justice and healthcare issues. She is also Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC).