The SACOG Board of Directors voted July 15 to approve almost $13 million in grant funding for light rail station improvements, streetscapes and other local projects that promote smart growth in the region as part of SACOG’s Community Design Program.

The board unanimously approved funding for ten capital projects and five planning projects after a public hearing earlier in the day. The hearing and vote followed a 30-day public review period of recommendations made in June by two advisory committees.

SACOG Chair Christopher Cabaldon said the projects signal a departure from traditional, automobile-centered developments and reflect growing interest in transportation and land use projects that support smart growth concepts in various settings. Following principles such as mixed land uses, housing diversity, and compact development has been shown to reduce reliance on automobiles and increase the level of bicycling, walking and public transit use.

“By selecting these projects for grant funding, we are putting dollars to work to create more pedestrian-friendly, transit-oriented communities,” Cabaldon said. “Projects that make it easier for people to get where they want to go by walking, biking, using public transit or making shorter auto trips are an investment that pays off with real benefits at the local and regional levels.”

The Metropolitan Transportation Plan for 2025 adopted in 2002 set aside $500 million in federal funds over a 23-year period for transportation projects that promote smart growth development and decrease auto travel. The SACOG Board of Directors authorized the first round of funding for the program in fall 2002. In fall 2003, a call for projects went out to public agencies and their partners to apply for grants for capital and planning projects.

SACOG received a total of 31 applications for the Community Design Funding program. Two multi-disciplinary advisory committees reviewed the applications and made funding recommendations based on project merit, balance of geography, and land use type. A detailed description of the selected projects can be found by clicking here.