SCAG approves $450,000 in funding for active transportation and sustainability projects in Long Beach

Long Beach received approval for $450,000 in funding for active transportation and integrated land-use projects in the city, part of more than $4.5 million in funding approved by the Regional Council of the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) for projects in Los Angeles County.

Long Beach was approved for $200,000 in funding for a Safe Routes to Schools program and $250,000 for its Destination Uptown program.

The process now moves on to the California Transportation Commission and the Mobile Source Air Pollution Reduction Review Committee (MSRC) for final approval. In all, 54 projects in the six-county SCAG region were approved for funding. The money is designated projects that promote active transportation and smart land use in an effort to improve the mobility, sustainability and economic vitality of communities throughout the region.

“These projects are critical to our county and our region to be able to meet state and federal air quality mandates, and to the overall safety, well-being and vitality of our communities,” said Margaret Finlay, First Vice President of SCAG and Mayor of Duarte. “With this funding, implementation of each of these projects moves that much closer to reality.”

Los Angeles County received $2.28 million in active transportation grants for projects and programs that promote safety and encourage people to walk and bike more. The county also was awarded $2.53 million in grants for integrated land use and the Green Regions Initiative, both of which promote sustainability.

Among specific projects receiving SCAG approval were a Safe Routes to Schools program in Commerce ($245,000), sustainability and integrated land-use projects in Burbank and at Los Angeles Union Station ($375,000 each) and Long Beach’s “Destination Uptown” project ($250,000). “The Uptown neighborhood of Long Beach is enjoying a renaissance, and investing in complete streets is a key part of that,” said Long Beach Vice Mayor Rex Richardson. “This funding will help us continue to build a sustainable and interconnected community that benefits residents, visitors and local businesses alike.”

“The fact that there’s more funding available than ever before for active transportation and integrated land use shows how big a priority this has become,” said Hasan Ikhrata, Executive Director for SCAG.

“The quality of life in our region is very much dependent upon these kinds of projects.”

SCAG, the nation’s largest metropolitan planning organization, has become a leading regional and national voice on transportation alternatives and the relationship between land-use planning, mobility, air quality and economic vitality. Its advocacy of active transportation includes sponsorship of the Go Human campaign, a regional marketing, education and outreach program designed to encourage more walking and bicycling – as well as greater awareness of pedestrian and bicycling safety – in a region of more than 18 million people. SCAG’s recently approved 2016-2040 Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy includes $12.9 billion in active transportation investments in the six-county region.