GONZALES — City of Gonzales has been awarded $3.4 million from the Transportation Agency for Monterey County (TAMC) through two funding programs for projects that will improve transportation safety, accessibility and connectivity throughout the community.
The funding was awarded through TAMC’s Regional Surface Transportation Program and Quick-Build Program. The City’s two grant applications received the first- and second-highest scores among the applications reviewed.
“This is a significant investment in Gonzales and in our ongoing work to create a safer, more accessible transportation system for everyone in our community,” said Mayor Jose Rios. “We are grateful to the Transportation Agency for Monterey County for recognizing the importance of this project and investing in improvements that will benefit Gonzales residents for years to come.”
The Citywide Multimodal Improvement Project will include street work to improve vehicle, bicycle and pedestrian traffic along Fifth Street, Alta Street, Alta Minor Street, Fourth Street and Gonzales River Road. The preliminary project design was developed with input received through a series of public workshops, meetings and community activities.
Of the $3.4 million in funding, $187,000 was awarded through TAMC’s Quick-Build Program and will be used to install traffic attenuation devices along Fairview Drive and Cielo Vista as part of roadway safety improvements and for red curb painting.
The TAMC grant programs prioritize transportation projects that improve safety, maintain existing facilities and create streets that are safer and more accessible for pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists and other users. Projects were evaluated based on regional significance, bicycle and pedestrian improvements, project readiness, cost effectiveness and the ability to complete improvements within the funding timeframe.
“This funding allows us to advance several important transportation improvements throughout Gonzales as part of one coordinated effort,” said City Manager Carmen Gil. “These investments will improve our streets and create safer connections for residents whether they are walking, biking or driving.”
The City will first issue a Request for Qualifications for the project, with initial improvements planned in the Fairview Drive and Cielo Vista areas.
