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Politics & Government

Grant Money to Improve El Camino Real

U.S. Dept. of Transportation provides $1.1 million for improvements for pedestrians in Belmont.

Residents can look forward to improvements along the stretch of El Camino Real in Belmont thanks to a $1.1 million federal grant for a project to enhance the San Mateo County thoroughfare.

The Grand Boulevard Initiative will use the money to widen sidewalks and cross walks, plant more trees, provide better street lighting and place more seats and benches along the city's share of the roadway, Community Development Director Carlos de Melo said.

The Grand Boulevard Initiative learned of the Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery 2 grant on Oct. 20, according to Tasha Bartholomew, a spokeswoman with the San Mateo County Transportation Authority. 

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The county transportation authority assisted in getting the grant, one of 33 handed out by the U.S. Department of Transportation. There were nearly 700 applications for the grants.

Established in 2006, the Grand Boulevard Initiative is a collaboration of 19 cities from Daly City to San Jose that aim to better the aesthetic value and efficiency of El Camino Real.

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"The city's looking to use the money for improvements of the usability and performance of El Camino Real for the residents of Belmont," said de Melo.

Neither de Melo nor Bartholomew knew when construction for the improvements would take place.

Corrine Goodrich, program manager for the Grand Boulevard Initiative, was not available for comment. 

"This is an important step toward the revitalization of the El Camino Real corridor," said Congresswoman Jackie Speier (D-San Mateo), in a prepared statement. "With this funding, we will see a jewel in our communities within our lifetimes."

Speier has been working alongside Congresswoman Anna Eshoo (D-Palo Alto) to gain funding for the Grand Boulevard Initiative.

"The Grand Boulevard project will transform El Camino Real, integrating it into the surrounding communities, improving its appearance and easing traffic congestion," said Eshoo in a prepared statement. 

Part of the Grand Boulevard Initiative is working toward creating neighborhoods around train stations featuring housing, shops, business and recreation.

The Grand Boulevard Initiative is also playing a role in building the pedestrian and bicycle footbridge connecting the Belmont Caltrain Station to the east side of U.S. Highway 101. The bridge is expected to be finished in March 2011.

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