Following Governor Gavin Newsom’s announcement this week of $296 million in Clean California grants to underserved communities throughout the state, Caltrans will locally fund five projects along the central coast to remove trash, create jobs and engage communities to transform public spaces. The grants are part of Governor Newsom’s Clean California initiative, a sweeping $1.1 billion, multiyear clean-up effort led by Caltrans to remove trash, create thousands of jobs and engage communities to transform public spaces.
“As part of our Clean California initiative, we’re excited to partner with our local communities on these projects that will upgrade and beautify their public spaces,” said Caltrans District 5 Director Tim Gubbins.
The projects include a wide range of community enhancements for cities, counties, transit agencies and tribal governments to beautify public spaces, such as litter removal, landscaping and art installations, walking and bike paths, and other complete streets features that enhance safety and access to transportation. The grants will generate 3,600 jobs statewide, and recipients must complete their projects by June 30, 2024. The Governor’s California Blueprint proposes an additional $100 million to fund another round of Clean California local projects.
Projects located in Caltrans District 5 (central coast) include:
- City of Salinas – Alisal neighborhood greening, beautification, safety project and anti-litter education to benefit local residents.
- City of Santa Cruz – Main Beach Restroom restoration, bench installation and anti-litter education that will help keep the popular visitor area clean.
- County of Santa Cruz – Green Valley Road Multi-Use Trail and Bus Stop upgrades that will enhance commute/recreational needs for the Watsonville area community.
- City of Santa Maria – Battles Road Green Corridor Project that will renovate landscaping, lighting and artwork to benefit local residents.
- Santa Ynez Chumash Tribe – Outdoor space upgrades that include an education/learning center remodel and beautification elements to benefit local tribe members and the adjacent community.
The local projects announced this week are in addition to the $312 million for 126 beautification projects along the state highway system that were announced last month.
Since launching Clean California in July, Caltrans has removed nearly 7,400 tons of litter from the state highway system – enough to fill 134 Olympic-size swimming pools – and hired 623 new team members as part of Clean California, including 498 maintenance workers who collect litter and remove graffiti.
For a complete list of projects and more information about Clean California, visit CleanCA.com.