Padilla, Schiff Announce Over $150 Million to Upgrade Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner Route

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff (both D-Calif.) announced that Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner route will receive over $150 million in federal grant funding from the Federal Railroad Administrations (FRA) Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail (FSP) program. The Department of Transportation (DOT) grant is designed to improve railroad performance, expand passenger rail service, and provide more reliable connectivity and safety. “I’m proud to announce more than $150 million in federal funding for Amtrak — an investment in the reliable, affordable rail service Californians count on,” said Senator Padilla. “Reliable rail service means good jobs, less gridlock, and better transportation options for Californians.” “I am proud to help deliver over $150 million in new safety and modernization upgrades across our Amtrak Pacific Surfliner route to improve pedestrian access,” said Senator Schiff. “From extending pedestrian underpasses to increasing reliability, this essential investment will improve safety, efficiency, and reduce travel times for Californians – making travel seamless and keeping pedestrians safe.” New grants announced are: San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG)’s will receive $124,429,778 to support a new double track segment, bridge replacement, realigning pedestrian access to a bike path, extending a pedestrian underpass, and rail crossing safety upgrades in the City of Oceanside, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, and other cities along infrastructure owned by North County Transit District. This project is part of a larger effort to double-track the entire San Diego subdivision of the LOSSAN Corridor. City of Encinitas will receive $33,600,000 to help install new vehicle and pedestrian gates at three existing crossings, close one pedestrian crossing, construct two new pedestrian and bicycle at-grade crossings, and construct a new pedestrian and bicycle undercrossing. Last week, Padilla and Schiff joined their colleagues in demanding the Trump Administration stop delaying the advancement of public transportation projects funded by the Capital Investment Grants (CIG) program. Last month, Padilla and Schiff announced over $53 million from the DOT to repair highways and roads across California. ###