Atascadero park and ride lot among new ‘Clean California’ projects
$312 million in projects aimed to ‘beautify and revitalize public spaces’
– As part of Governor Gavin Newsom’s $1.1 billion Clean California initiative, Caltrans is awarding $312 million for 126 beautification projects along the state highway system – including 12 projects in District 5, the Central Coast.
The projects are expected to generate 3,600 jobs as part of the multi-year initiative led by Caltrans to remove trash and beautify community gateways and public areas along highways, streets, and roads while creating thousands of jobs for Californians.
“Caltrans has partnered with communities throughout California to identify and develop projects that meet the specific needs of each region while also enhancing and beautifying public spaces,” said Caltrans Director Toks Omishakin. “By working together, we’re better able to restore public pride in our communities and help change the habits that create litter in the first place.”
Developed in close collaboration with tribal and local governments, non-profits, and businesses, the 126 state beautification projects include art installations, green space, and ones that improve safety and promote community connections. Construction will begin in April 2022. A full list of projects can be found here.
Governor Newsom made the announcement on Friday, Feb. 11 in San Francisco, at the site of a Clean California project that will include a tree nursery, dog park and other features.
The 12 projects ($11.5 million total) located in District 5 include:
- US 101 in Atascadero, San Luis Obispo County – Park & Ride Lot Enhancement
- Highway 154 in Santa Ynez, Santa Barbara County – Chumash Museum Beautification
- Hwy. 166 in New Cuyama, Santa Barbara County – Highway Beautification and Community Enhancements
- Hwy. 135 in Santa Maria, Santa Barbara County – Main Street Beautification and Pedestrian Upgrades
- Hwy. 1 in Oceano, San Luis Obispo County – Main Street Parklet Creation
- US 101 in King City, Monterey County – Highway Beautification and Pedestrian enhancements
- Hwy. 25 in San Benito County – Pinnacles National Park Highway Beautification
- Hwy. 156 in San Juan Bautista, San Benito County – Pedestrian Enhancements
- US 101 in Salinas, Monterey County – Alisal Neighborhood Beautification (three under-crossings)
- Hwy. 156 in Castroville, Monterey County – Pedestrian Enhancements
- Hwy. 183 in Castroville, Monterey County – ‘Arch’ Landmark Restoration
- Highways 129/152 in Watsonville, Santa Cruz County – Historic Main Street Beautification
In addition to these awards for Clean California projects along the state right-of-way, the Governor in December announced the availability of almost $300 million in grants to cities and counties for local projects that will clean and beautify neighborhood streets, parks, and transit centers throughout California. Caltrans will review the project proposals from cities, counties, transit agencies, tribal governments, and other governmental entities and announce grant recipients on March 1. The Governor’s California Blueprint proposes an additional $100 million to fund additional local Clean California grants.
Over three years, Clean California will remove an additional 1.2 million cubic yards, or 21,000 tons, of trash from the state system alone – enough to fill the Rose Bowl three times over. The initiative has already resulted in 6,300 tons of litter being removed from the State Highway System and, to date, Caltrans has hired 528 new team members, including 428 maintenance workers who collect litter and perform maintenance duties like graffiti removal.
