Richmond receives over $9 million federal grant for safer streets

Richmond, CA – Representative John Garamendi, Richmond Mayor Eduardo Martinez, and City Manager Shasa Curl have announced a significant federal grant for the city. The U.S. Department of Transportation has awarded $9,559,482 through the Reconnecting Communities Pilot Program to enhance street safety and connectivity in Richmond.

The planned improvements include retrofitting arterial roads and crossings with traffic calming measures such as lane reductions. Bicycle and pedestrian pathways will be added to connect regional transportation hubs and shoreline recreational areas. Stormwater management elements will also be installed, alongside workforce development programs.

Rep. John Garamendi expressed his support for the initiative: “The Reconnecting Communities Pilot program is an excellent example of what good governance can and should be." He praised the collaboration between federal authorities and Richmond city officials to ensure commuter safety, climate resilience, and reduced barriers for disadvantaged communities.

Mayor Eduardo Martinez highlighted the benefits for local residents: “The Reconnecting Communities Pilot program will create safer and more attractive trails for pedestrians and bicyclists along Harbour Way and Ohio Avenue.” He emphasized that these improvements would promote healthy transportation methods while enhancing access to Richmond’s shoreline.

City Manager Shasa Curl commented on the broader impact: “The cutting-edge transportation projects that will be funded by the Reconnecting Communities Pilot award ensure Richmond will continue to lead the way in constructing sustainable infrastructure.”

Guillermo Rodriguez from Trust for Public Land also noted the importance of safe public access: “Having safe access to public transportation, nature, and each other is so critical in building equitable communities.”

This grant is part of a larger effort under the Biden Administration's Justice40 initiative aimed at reducing mobility barriers for disadvantaged communities. The project aligns with Richmond’s existing climate resilience initiatives supported by a $35 million Transformative Climate Communities grant.