All funding milestones have been achieved for two long-anticipated Active Transportation Projects in San Luis Obispo County, with the San Luis Obispo County of Governments (SLOCOG); the Bob Jones Trail Extension Segment 2 Project and the Morro Bay to Cayucos Multi-Use Trail Gap Closure Project (Morro Bay to Cayucos Connector). The final phasing and funding approval came from the California Transportation Commission (CTC) at their March 21 meeting.
“We are greatly appreciative the CTC has acknowledged how significant these two projects are to the region. This last step in funding was only made possible by many years of inter-agency collaboration and resident advocacy at the state, regional and local level, ensuring both projects could be delivered as promised,” said SLOCOG Executive Director Pete Rodgers.
Both projects were funded for FY 2026-2027 through the CTC’s Active Transportation Program (ATP), a dedicated grant program designed to encourage increased use of active modes of transportation, such as walking and biking. The ATP is part of the broader State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP), which also allocates state funds for highway improvements, intercity rail and regional highway and transit improvements. The CTC funding for the Bob Jones Trail Extension was approved for $18.2M, and the Morro Bay to Cayucos Connector received $2.8M. Additional funding for both projects was provided locally by SLO County Public Works, the County Parks & Recreation Department, the San Luis Obispo Council of Governments (SLOCOG), and through a community fundraising drive.
Bob Jones City-to-the-Sea Trail
The Bob Jones Trail Extension will complete the vision of a seamless route along San Luis Obispo Creek, linking the existing trail sections, a 2.5-mile trail from Avila Beach to Highway 101 and a 1-mile section from Prado Road to Los Osos Valley Road in San Luis Obispo. Once completed, the extension will create a safe, multi-use path from the Octagon Barn in SLO to the Avila Beach trailhead on Ontario Drive, connecting with the Shell Beach path in Pismo Beach. Caltrans District 5 also partnered on the project by providing the necessary right-of-way for the final trail alignment.
“This allocation sets the stage for completing a critical link in the Bob Jones Trail. This important regional trail will serve visitors and local communities for decades to come. Kudos to our SLOCOG and SLO County partners whose persistence is turning this shared vision into reality,” said Caltrans District 5 Director Scott Eades.
Morro Bay to Cayucos Connector
The Morro Bay to Cayucos Connector will construct a 1.0-mile, 12-foot-wide Class I multi-use path along State Route 1, linking Morro Bay and Cayucos with a scenic and safe transportation corridor for cyclists and pedestrians. Trail construction will feature bridges, retaining walls, park benches, and improved signage, providing the final connection between existing pedestrian and bicycle networks in both communities.
“We are thrilled that we can finally advance this worthwhile and community-based project that will provide safe, multi-modal access for all users,” said SLO County Public Works Department Project Manager Aaron Yonker.
Once completed, these projects will significantly enhance the region’s active transportation network, supporting healthier and more sustainable mobility options while aiding in the economic vitality of San Luis Obispo County.