Rep. Carbajal Announces $1.4 Million from Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to Improve Connectivity within Santa Ynez Valley

Congressman Salud Carbajal today announced a new $1,426,000 grant from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to support plans for a new multi-use path to improve connectivity between communities in the Santa Ynez Valley.

The grant, which was awarded to the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians, will support planning and community engagement efforts for an 8.7 mile path that would connect the Santa Ynez Reservation with Buellton, Solvang, and other parts of the Valley.

"Improving the connectivity of the Central Coast's communities was one of my core missions when helping to craft the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and I'm proud to announce this new grant from our landmark infrastructure to support that goal," said Rep. Carbajal. "After more than $1 billion already awarded to our region, it is clear that this core achievement of my work with the Biden-Harris Administration is providing for a widespread revitalization of our infrastructure and an improved quality of life across our entire Central Coast."

"Our tribe is thankful for receiving this grant and having the opportunity to create a network of bike and pedestrian trails for use by all Santa Ynez Valley residents and visitors, with the aim of reducing traffic, establishing safe passageways and improving the environment," said Kenneth Kahn, Tribal Chairman for the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians

"This grant will allow us to convert a long-held and widely shared vision of a cross Santa Ynez Valley Connector Trail along the Santa Ynez River to a real plan for action. It is an ambitious project and, finally, we are on our way. Thanks to the Tribe for its leadership and the Cities of Buellton and Solvang for their unwavering support. This will be a transformational project, linking many destinations along its route, and making mobility a peek experience for residents and visitor alike," said Santa Barbara County Supervisor Joan Hartmann.

The funding comes from the Active Transportation Infrastructure Investment Program (ATIIP), a grant program created by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to construct projects that will provide safe and connected transportation facilities in active transportation networks or active transportation spines.

ATIIP projects are selected for their potential to improve the safety, efficiency, and reliability of active transportation networks and communities; improve connectivity between active transportation modes and public transportation; enhance the resiliency of on- and off-road active transportation infrastructure; help protect the environment; and improve quality of life in disadvantaged communities through the delivery of connected active transportation networks and expanded mobility opportunities.

Since its passage in 2021, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has delivered more than $1 billion in funding to projects up and down the Central Coast of California. Last summer, Rep. Carbajal toured some of those projects while touting the nine-figure milestone.

Rep. Carbajal helped write and pass the landmark law, the largest infrastructure investment in nearly a century, with the Biden-Harris Administration through his role as a senior member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.