IN SANTA ANA, REP. CORREA ANNOUNCES $750,000 IN FEDERAL FUNDING TO CLOSE TRANSPORTATION GAP BETWEEN SANTA ANA AND GARDEN GROVE
Funding From Nearly $30 Million Correa Secured For Community Projects In CA-46 In FY’23 Omnibus Package To Be Used for Completion of OCTA’s Santa Ana-Garden Grove Rails-to-Trails Gap Closure Project
Photos and B-Roll Available for Download HERE
SANTA ANA, CA – Today, Representative Lou Correa (CA-46) joined Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) CEO Darrell E. Johnson, Santa Ana Mayor Pro Tem and OCTA Board Member Jessie Lopez, and Fullerton Mayor and OCTA Board Member Fred Jung to announce $750,000 in federal funding to support the completion of the Santa Ana-Garden Grove Rails-to-Trails Gap Closure Project—which would connect bikers between two of the most park-poor cities in Orange County.
Rep. Correa presents federal funding to OCTA, local elected officials, and impacted youth
“It’s no secret that Santa Ana lacks green space—and that lack of green space is taking a huge toll on the mental and physical health of our community, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Rep. Correa. “By connecting two of the most park-poor cities in Orange County, this project will open a world of possibility—and not just economically. We will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve our air quality, and keep our neighborhoods healthier, and I couldn’t be more proud to have brought home our federal tax dollars to better our community.”
OCTA’s Santa Ana-Garden Grove Rails-to-Trails Gap Closure Project would explore a connection with the existing bicycle and pedestrian path between Nelson and Brookhurst street in Garden Grove southeast across the former Pacific Electric right-of-way to connect with the existing Santa Ana River Trail—which runs from the Pacific Coast Highway into Orange and beyond. The trail would run for approximately four miles, allowing a bicyclist to pedal—or a walker to stride—from Santa Ana’s downtown to cross the river and continue into a separated bikeway into downtown Garden Grove.
Rep. Correa speaks with community members and impacted youth after presenting federal funding in Santa Ana, CA
“I’m absolutely thrilled as we open up this new section of the Santa Ana River Bike Trail, right here at the cherished site of our historic Pacific Electric bridge. It's a double delight as we introduce two fantastic features that will seamlessly blend into our community, contributing to healthier lifestyles for our residents,” said Mayor Pro Tem Lopez. “The Rails to Trails initiative is a significant step towards fostering connections within our neighborhood and aligns perfectly with our commitment to promote active transportation and physical well-being. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Congressman for securing the funding that brings these dreams to reality.”
According to OCTA, this project would provide a critical connection from the two cities’ downtowns to the Santa Ana River trail—which is part of the 66-mile “OC Loop” that connects various destinations throughout Orange County. The result will be reduced greenhouse gas emissions, improved air quality, and public health in communities with higher-than-average rates of asthma and cardiovascular disease.
Rep. Correa stands alongside OCTA CEO Darrell E. Johnson, Santa Ana Mayor Pro Tem and OCTA Board Member Jessie Lopez, and Fullerton Mayor and OCTA Board Member Fred Jung
"Repurposing old, unused train tracks into trails is an important solution to providing respite to neighborhoods void of greenspace. Congressman Lou Correa's critical federal funding completes a necessary trail from Santa Ana to Garden Grove,” said Mayor Jung. “I want to thank Congressman Lou Correa for his understanding of the importance of quality of life for residents in two of the park’s poorest cities in Orange County and partnering with OCTA to provide enhanced connectivity."
This funding is part of the nearly $30 million that Rep. Correa secured for community projects throughout California’s 46th congressional district in the Fiscal Year 2023 (FY23) omnibus appropriations bill, which President Biden signed into law last year. Rep. Correa worked in lockstep with community leaders to identify priorities for CA-46 constituents, and fought for them during the annual funding process.
“On behalf of OCTA, I want to thank Rep. Correa for his support and for recognizing the importance of investing in active transportation projects like this,” said Johnson, OCTA’s CEO. “Creating additional safe and healthy ways to travel is critical for our communities as we continue to develop our transportation system to best meet the needs of the public.”
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