Carlsbad’s federal lobbying push highlights $1.3M request for rail crossing safety project

City lobbyists and legislative staff recapped a recent federal advocacy trip and outlined next steps for the city’s rail crossing safety project and other federal initiatives.

David Wetmore of Carpe & Clay summarized meetings in Washington: the Federal Railroad Administration, HUD officials who indicated support and potential technical assistance for Windsor Point, and members of Congress who are reviewing Carlsbad’s community project funding requests. "Mr. Levin ... announced he would be requesting and has requested $1,300,000 in community project funds for the rail crossing project," Wetmore said. He added that the Transportation‑HUD funding bill was scheduled for House markup in July, which is the approximate time frame when project lists may be included.

Councilmembers expressed appreciation for the advocacy trip and asked staff to share copies of fact sheets and letters of support. Ross Trit from Assemblymember Berner’s office noted the assembly member had submitted a letter supporting the city’s double‑trenching/double‑tracking application. City staff asked lobbyists to circulate materials and coordinate with the city’s lobbyist, Mister Haber, so the legislative team can continue tracking appropriations and competitive scoring.

The subcommittee emphasized a multiagency approach: members noted SANDAG’s forthcoming meeting on corridor planning and the need to coordinate with NCTD and regional agencies. No public comment was made on the federal lobbying update.