United States Representative Jimmy Panetta announced on Mar. 31 that $850,000 in federal funding has been allocated to the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission for the Boulder Creek Complete Streets Project. The project aims to improve road infrastructure and safety along Highway 9 and Highway 236 in Boulder Creek.
The investment is intended to address safety concerns for drivers, pedestrians, families, and local businesses in a community where pedestrian and bicycle collisions have been an issue. Planned improvements include new sidewalks, medians, bike lanes, and crosswalks designed to make downtown Boulder Creek safer.
“Although Highway 9 is a lifeline for the San Lorenzo Valley, it also can be a major hazard for some of the communities on the road,” said Rep. Panetta. “By investing in the infrastructure along the roadways, this improvement project will ensure a slower highway and a safer main street for Boulder Creek. This is a big project that will take all levels of government coming together, so I’m proud to ensure that the federal government through the power of its purse played a part in funding the Boulder Creek Complete Streets Improvement Project.”
Santa Cruz County Supervisor Monica Martinez said she was grateful for Panetta’s support: “Highway 9 is the backbone of the San Lorenzo Valley… Despite having only a population of 5,300, Boulder Creek’s main intersection sees nearly 17,000 trips every day and more than double the collision and injury rates of comparable California corridors.” She added that expanded sidewalks and other safety measures would help improve access throughout town.
Sarah Christiansen from SCCRTC said this project addresses accident rates above state averages: “While our local Measure D sales tax provides critical funding… state and federal investments like this are essential… This funding allows us to take a major step forward in advancing meaningful safety upgrades.” Tess Fitzgerald from BCBA highlighted business benefits: “When people feel safe spending time downtown, our businesses grow – and the whole community benefits.”
Panetta has served as U.S. Representative since replacing Sam Farr in California’s 19th district in 2017 according to Wikipedia. He was born in Washington D.C., lives in Carmel Valley according to his congressional biography, graduated from University of California Davis with a BA before earning his JD at Santa Clara University according to his official House page.
In addition to this grant announcement, Panetta secured $5.92 million for projects across Santa Cruz County as part of over $15 million awarded within California’s 19th Congressional District.