SBCAG highlights federal project nominations; Caltrans updates on storm repairs and grant opportunity

At the April 16 SBCAG meeting Ms. Curtin reported that Congressman Salud Carbajal nominated two local projects — the Highway 101/135 interchange and the Rincon Trail — for consideration for $2 million each through the FY2027 federal appropriations process. Curtin emphasized the selection advances the projects in a competitive process but does not guarantee final funding.

Caltrans District Director Scott Eads briefed the board on storm‑related emergency repairs and ongoing construction across Santa Barbara County, noting substantial work following recent heavy storms. Eads highlighted that most emergency work on SR‑101 between Gaviota and Goleta is now complete and pointed to the Arroyo Hondo embankment repair as finished. He also outlined upcoming construction (e.g., Baseline/Edison roundabout landscaping; nighttime lane shifts south of Buellton) and flagged the USDOT Fiscal Year 2026 Notice of Funding Opportunity for the Safe Streets and Roads for All program (nearly $1 billion nationwide; applications due May 26) as a major grant opportunity for safety action plan development and implementation.

Board members asked Caltrans about regional safety action plans and rest stop water supply issues (Gaviota rest stop closures related to water access) and encouraged staff to explore potential programmatic opportunities for funding and resilience work.

What’s next: SBCAG staff will continue federal advocacy for nominated projects; Caltrans and jurisdictions may pursue the Safe Streets NOFO and other grant opportunities raised during the report.