The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announced the award of a $22.5 million grant to Calif.’s Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit District (SMART) for the San Rafael to Larkspur commuter rail extension. The project will provide an important connection for North Bay residents to access regional ferry service serving downtown San Francisco and destinations throughout the Bay Area.

"This grant will improve transportation links for the hundreds of thousands of commuters traveling in the Bay Area every day," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao.

The project is a 2.1-mile extension to SMART’s existing 43-mile commuter rail line. The extension will run from downtown San Rafael to the Golden Gate Transit Larkspur Ferry terminal in Marin County, providing an alternative to travel on U.S. Highway 101.

"This project will provide an important multi-modal connection to transit services for those trying to reach their jobs, schools, and homes," said FTA Acting Administrator K. Jane Williams. "FTA is committed to modernizing these connections to improve safety and reliability for all users."

SMART will receive $22.53 million through FTA’s Capital Investment Grants (CIG) program. The CIG Program provides funding for major transit capital infrastructure investments nationwide. Projects accepted into the program must go through a multi-year, multi-step process according to requirements in law to be eligible for and receive program funds.