By SDCN Editor
San Diego, CA–The San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) Board of Directors approved its $1.3 billion annual Fiscal Year 2025 budget, effective July 1.
This budget encompasses over 200 projects throughout the region. Key allocations include $683.2 million for TransNet Major Corridors, the Goods Movement Program, the Regional Bikeway Program, and other transit and capital improvements. Additionally, $217.1 million will be allocated to local governments for streets and roads, $80.9 million for regional planning projects and programs, and $79.9 million for regional operations.
A new interactive map has been introduced, allowing community members and local leaders to explore projects in their neighborhoods for the first time.
“This budget has something for everyone. Whether it’s enhanced transit, major improvements to ease congestion, or more bike paths, we’re working to ensure that everyone can have equitable access to our beautiful region,” said SANDAG and San Diego County Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Nora Vargas. “This budget serves as the blueprint for SANDAG to prioritize projects that emphasize equity and inclusion.”
Continued work on several key projects and programs that will benefit the entire San Diego region is also represented in the budget:
· Youth Opportunity Pass (YOP): This pilot program, which provides free, unlimited transit rides for people aged 18 and under, is being extended for another year. It has provided more than 11 million rides countywide since its launch.
·Airport Transit Connection: Technical analysis and public outreach will be completed to identify the locally preferred alternative for a direct transit link to the airport. This funding will allow us to complete the environmental phase and begin design work.
· LOSSAN: The Del Mar Bluffs V Stabilization project to protect the rail corridor from coastal erosion will begin when the LOSSAN Rail Realignment project begins the environmental phase to relocate the tracks off the bluffs by 2035.
· Otay Mesa East Port of Entry: We will continue working on-site preparations and critical agreements with federal and Mexico partners to keep moving development of the future port of entry forward.
· Blue Line Improvements: Studies are underway for various improvements to the Blue Line Trolley, including community-oriented development around two stops which will speed up trip times and increase access for transit riders. SANDAG is also actively planning near-term solutions like more Rapid buses to serve people traveling north and south on this route.
· Purple Line: SANDAG is exploring the best way to build this new transit line through two studies. The first looks at types of trains and possible routes for the National City to Sorrento Mesa section. The second examines ways to improve all major transit lines from South County to San Diego. SANDAG is also planning a temporary Rapid bus route to serve passengers traveling between these neighborhoods.
· TransNet Major Corridors: Roadway projects include improvements to SR 67, SR 52, I-15/SR 78 Connectors, SR 78/I-5 Express Lanes Connectors, and I-5 HOV lanes extending to Oceanside. Transit projects include Blue Line railway signal improvements, Palomar Street rail grade separation, several double-tracking projects, and the implementation of six new Rapid bus projects.
· Regional Bike Network: SANDAG has 16 bike projects in progress, with 3 under construction: Border to Bayshore, Bayshore Bikeway Barrio Logan, and the Pershing Bikeway. In FY 2025, SANDAG plans to break ground on Imperial Avenue Bikeway; Inland Rail Trail Phase 3; Uptown Bikeways: Eastern Hillcrest, Washington Street, and Mission Valley; North Park/Mid-City Bikeways: Orange Avenue and University Avenue; and the Central Avenue Bikeway.
·Toll Operations: The transition to a new back-office system is scheduled to be completed in 2025 and will include regular vendor and internal assessments, a quality assurance and quality control plan, and operational and customer service improvements. Internal policies will also include regular and proactive reporting to the SANDAG Board as well as transparent communication with the public.
Updates to the approved budget include funding secured by Congressman Mike Levin and Congressman Darrell Issa for the following projects:
· San Dieguito Lagoon Double Track Phase 2 Construction: The project will receive $99.1 million and use North County Transit District funds and matching TransNet funds to finance construction.
· Harbor Drive 2.0/Vesta Street Bridge: With an allocation of $11 million, the project will benefit from new federal Reconnecting Communities grant funds, specifically to acquire the necessary land for the construction of the project.
· Interstate-15/State Route 78 HOV Connectors: Thanks to the support of federal Community Project funds, $4 million will advance the environmental and design phases of the project to create new lanes and connectors at the intersection of SR-78 and I-15.
· Del Mar Bluffs V Stabilization: With $3 million allocated, this project will leverage new state funds to completely finance construction and support near-term safety and reliability of the LOSSAN rail line along the bluffs in Del Mar.
· I-5 HOV Lanes in Oceanside: This $1.2 million from the federal Community Project funds will advance the design phase of the I-5 HOV lanes extending to Oceanside to improve traffic flow.
The public can view the interactive budget map at SANDAG.org/budget.
