The San Jose BART extension project is getting a much needed $500 million boost from the federal government, transit officials announced Thursday afternoon.
The six-mile, four-station extension that will run from the Berryessa Transit Center in north San Jose, through downtown and up to Santa Clara has ballooned in cost in recent years, with the most recent estimate pegged at $12.75 billion. The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority, which is overseeing the project, is expected to find out later this year whether they’ll receive a funding grant from the federal government that will cover a big chunk of the costs.
But federal dollars will now come sooner than that as VTA General Manager and CEO Carolyn Gonot announced today that the upcoming federal budget has earmarked half a billion dollars to build out BART.
“That means it’s a nationally important project,” Gonot said. “It is one of the most important projects in this budget.”
Gonot said the money will help “move the project continuously forward” as they “don’t have to take any financing costs out.”
Santa Clara County Supervisor Cindy Chavez, who serves as the chairperson of the VTA Board of Directors, said it’s “a sign of incredible confidence that the Federal Transportation Administration and the president are interested in the project here.”
“Every single great city in the world has multiple ways that people can move goods and services quickly effectively and efficiently,” Chavez said. “This allows Silicon Valley to be connected to our greater region.”
This is a breaking news story. Check back for updates.