The US Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood has announced that the Port of San Francisco was awarded $2.97 million for rail improvements aimed at improving segments of its freight rail track in order to enhance safety, livability, and economic development.
The port project will improve an approximately one mile-long spur connecting the Caltrain mainline track to the Port of San Francisco Rail Yard. The current condition of the spur track limits the frequency, weight and length of trains that can use the track, causing delays. The improvements will allow freight trains to operate at higher speeds and clear the mainline more quickly, significantly reducing delays to Caltrain commuter trains and future high-speed rail trains.
The US Department of Transportation’s Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) received 51 applications from across the country for the Rail Line Relocation and Improvement (RLR) grants and the Port of San Francisco was one of only eight cities and ports to be awarded funding and had the top scoring project nationwide.
“The strong desire to improve infrastructure and foster economic development throughout America is evident in the overwhelming demand by our nation’s cities and states,” said Secretary Ray LaHood. “These strategic investments will help advance President Obama’s vision to create jobs, build livable communities, and stimulate economic growth through local projects that deliver the greatest public benefits.”
FRA’s Rail Line Relocation Grant Program assists projects that improve community livability and promote economic development by addressing the effects of rail traffic on safety, roadway and pedestrian traffic, overall quality of life and local area commerce. Rail line relocation dollars announced last week will fund the Port of San Francisco project as well as projects in seven other states.
“The Quint Street Lead improvements will promote jobs and economic development in San Francisco while enhancing public safety and livability in our local community,” stated Port Executive Director Monique Moyer. “The Port of San Francisco is pleased to participate in the FRA’s grant programme that will facilitate this important rail project. We especially thank House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi for her continuing support of the FRA’s rail relocation and improvement programme which is providing the funds for this project.”
The port has two rail-served cargo terminals that will benefit from these improvements. Pier 80 is San Francisco Bay’s only breakbulk cargo terminal and Pier 94/96 currently is a dry bulk cargo terminal.
The Port of San Francisco, an enterprise agency of the City and County of San Francisco, oversees a broad range of commercial, maritime and public access facilities along the City’s waterfront that are held in public trust for the people of California.