City of South San Francisco Selected for Reconnecting Communities: Highways to Boulevard Grant

City of South San Francisco PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release Contact: Angenette Lau Phone: (650) 829-6665 Email: angenette.lau@ssf.net City of South San Francisco Selected for Reconnecting Communities: Highways to Boulevard Grant Proposed project will transform and reconnect underserved communities historically divided by the construction of highways SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., March 13, 2024 – The City of South San Francisco has been selected as one of three cities to receive approximately $50 million through the Caltrans Reconnecting Communities Highways to Boulevards Grant Program. The project was proposed by the San Mateo County Transportation Authority’s (TA), which will provide bicycle, pedestrian, and transit improvements along State Route 82 (El Camino Real), Colma Creek, and other corridors in South San Francisco. “Known as the ‘Industrial City’, South San Francisco continues to see rapid growth, innovation, and change. From the meatpacking and steel industries to life science and tech, South San Francisco remains bifurcated by freeways and dated infrastructure. This grant will help us repai these divisions and reconnect neighborhoods,” shared Mayor James Coleman in a press conference with CalTrans yesterday. Neighborhoods such as Lindenville and Downtown are examples of areas that will benefit from the program as infrastructural barriers (i.e. the US 101, El Camino Real, and railroad tracks) have prevented access to transit such as BART and Caltrain. “South City is a leader when it comes to transportation access. I am honored to receive this program grant, and am excited about the potential of this program to implement solutions that lift up our most vulnerable communities while protecting our City from climate disruption and enhance our residents’ quality of life,” said Coleman. Initially introduced in the Climate Action Plan for Transportation Infrastructure, the program seeks to convert underused highways that divide underserved communities into multimodal corridors and vibrant public spaces. Caltrans will assist the selected communities in working from concept to project delivery on a community-driven vision to reconnect their neighborhoods. This includes helping pilot communities to obtain additional grant support for project completion, including the application for the federal Reconnecting Communities and Neighborhoods Grant Program. ### About the City of South San Francisco The City of South San Francisco proudly remains The Industrial City, a reflection of its steel mill and ship building past, redefined to reflect the innovative, entrepreneurial, and industrious spirit which has made South San Francisco the Biotech Capital of the World, with 217 active biotech companies and growing. A vibrant community of 66,185 residents, South San Francisco enjoys a high quality of life with an extensive public parks system, active library and learning programming and a dynamic, engaged community making South San Francisco a great place to live, learn, work, and play.