SMART receives $81 million grant for expansion to Healdsburg

SMART is on track to secure an $81 million state grant that would provide what is needed to extend the rail line and its pedestrian path from Windsor to Healdsburg.

The Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit District project is among 27 that have been awarded a total of $1.33 billion from its Intercity Rail and Transit Capital Program grant program aimed at reducing emissions of greenhouse gases, according to the California State Transportation Authority. announced Wednesday.

“This is a huge victory for the residents of northern Sonoma County and builds on the state’s $40 million investment now being used to connect the Sonoma County Airport to the city of Windsor,” said Pro Tem. State Senate McGuire, D-Healdsburg. he said in a statement Thursday.

The Windsor to Healdsburg segment will begin construction next year, McGuire said. It involves rebuilding 5.5 miles of track from the Windsor Depot at 9001 Windsor Ave. to the historic Healdsburg Depot at 320 Hudson St. Work on the track and road would continue north another 3.3 miles to the northern city limit.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.

Jeff Quackenbush covers wine, construction and real estate. Contact him at [email protected] or 707-521-4256.