Congressman Ami Bera presents a $25-million check to the Capital SouthEast Connector representatives on July 17 at a Teichert Aggregates plant on Grant Line Road. From left are El Dorad County Supervisor John Hidahl, Bera, Sacramento County Supervisor Pat Hume, Rancho Cordova City Councilmember and Capital SouthEast Connector JPA Chair Garret Gatewood, Capital SouthEast Connector Executive Director Derek Minnema, Elk Grove City Councilmember Sergio Robles, State Sen. Roger Niello and Folsom City Councilmember Mike Kozlowski. Photo by Gail Bullen

SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) - Many of the region’s elected officials with leaders in public safety and transportation on July 17 celebrated the United States Department of Transportation’s (DOT) allocation of $25 million to the Capital SouthEast Connector project.

This federal grant is a crucial step toward transforming Grant Line Road into a modern expressway, addressing longstanding safety issues and improving traffic conditions on this vital route.

The celebratory event highlighted by U.S. Representative Ami Bera, U.S. Representative Kevin Kiley, Sacramento County Sheriff Jim Cooper and Rancho Cordova Councilmember Garrett Gatewood, who serves as Capital SouthEast Connector JPA Chair, addressed a crowd at a location on Grant Line Road that the federal funds will be used to address safety concerns.

This funding will play a pivotal role in upgrading the current two-lane roadway to a modern expressway. The enhancements are expected to significantly reduce collision risks, alleviate congestion and ensure safer travel for all commuters.

Congressman Bera expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “The Capital SouthEast Connector Project has long been one of my top transportation infrastructure priorities. After years of advocacy for this project, I am proud to celebrate this great achievement for Sacramento County and the positive impact it will have on road safety, improving mobility and connectivity, and supporting economic development in neighboring communities.”

Said Congressman Kiley “The Capital SouthEast Connector Expressway Project is a remarkable example of how partnerships between cities, counties, the state, and the federal government can solve problems that improve safety, livability, air quality, and local and regional economies. “The Capital SouthEast Connector Expressway Project is a win for our region and will play a pivotal role in transforming Grant Line Road into an expressway, addressing longstanding safety concerns and improving traffic conditions on this heavily traveled route. With this, we can significantly reduce collision risks, alleviate congestion and ensure safer travel for all commuters.”

Rancho Cordova Councilmember and Capital SouthEast Connector JPA Chair Gatewood said, "Investing in our infrastructure is critical for the growth and prosperity of our region. The federal funds we are receiving in the City of Rancho Cordova will create a safer, more efficient transportation route that benefits both our local economy and our community's quality of life."

The Capital SouthEast Connector JPA Executive Director Derek Minnema stated, “This grant is a game-changer for our community. The transformation of Grant Line Road into a modern expressway will not only improve traffic flow but also ensure the safety of our residents and commuters. It's a win-win for everyone."

For more information about the Capital SouthEast Connector project, visit www.ConnectorJPA.com and YouTube.com/@southeastconnectorexpressway.