SMART is in the process of securing an $81 million state grant that would provide what is needed to extend the rail line and its pedestrian and bike path from Windsor to Healdsburg.

The Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit District project is one of 27 projects receiving a total of $1.33 billion under its Transit and Intercity Rail Grant Program aimed at reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the California State Transportation Authority said. announcement Wednesday.

The grant from this fund would be supplemented by $188 million from other guaranteed federal, state and regional sources, including two grants expected to be awarded in June 2025. If received as planned, this would bring the estimated project to $269 million dollars to full funding.

“This is a huge win for the residents of northern Sonoma County and builds on the state’s $40 million investment now being used to connect the Sonoma County Airport to the town of Windsor,” said state Senate Sen. Pro Tem McGuire, D-Healdsburg. said in a statement Thursday.

The Windsor-Healdsburg section is expected to begin construction early next year, with completion scheduled for 2028. The project involves reconstructing 5.5 miles of track and adding a multi-modal track, stretching from the station under construction near Windsor depot. at 9001 Windsor Avenue to a new station to be built near the historic Healdsburg Depot at 320 Hudson Street. The railway bridge over the Russian River would also be replaced.

The new funding comes as the rail and track extension between the Sonoma County Airport Station and Windsor is expected to be completed early next year.

Funding for the Healdsburg segment would allow work on the track and path to continue north of the station for another 3.3 miles to the northern town line, connecting the path to the Foss Creek Trail.

This integrated approach has been part of SMART’s vision since voters approved the sales tax in 2008 to create a seamless multimodal transportation network from the Larkspur Ferry Terminal north to Cloverdale. The Healdsburg-Cloverdale section currently does not have funding to move forward.

“When you think about the train, always think about the ride,” said SMART spokeswoman Julia Gonzalez. The agency and others have participated in connecting path segments for the Great Redwood Trail that extends 320 miles to Humboldt.

Tallia Hart, CEO of the Healdsburg Chamber of Commerce, noted the “game-changing” potential of rail and trail expansion for the town’s economy and community.

“This is an important step for our region,” she said, noting that improved transportation access will expand the city’s labor pool and boost tourism.

Hart explained that only 15 percent of Healdsburg’s workforce currently lives in the city, many of whom commute from Petaluma and Windsor. The SMART expansion is expected to make the area more attractive to companies seeking a larger talent pool.

Additionally, Hart expects increased interest from companies that previously struggled to attract the right employees to the area.

Beyond workforce development, Hart highlighted the expansion’s benefits for the local tourism industry, including new opportunities for unique cycling experiences that take advantage of Healdsburg’s scenic open spaces and its proximity to the Russian River.

The expansion is expected to have a significant impact on ridership, with Windsor and Healdsburg stations expected to be heavily used by commuters and leisure travelers. Gonzalez noted that initial modeling for the project showed strong demand, particularly for connecting to the Foss Creek Trail and area recreational attractions.

In addition to the rail extension, the rail agency has also made progress with its SMART Connect electric shuttle. The on-demand service currently connects Sonoma County Airport to the nearby train station and Larkspur Station to the Golden Gate Ferry terminal, as well as surrounding businesses. On weekends, travelers take advantage of the door-to-door service to access nearby shopping and employment centers.

As SMART continues to expand its reach, the agency is also exploring opportunities to improve its shuttle services, including the possibility of offering service seven days a week at the Larkspur station. Gonzalez acknowledged that would require additional funding.

Jeff Quackenbush covers wine, construction and real estate. Contact him at [email protected] or 707-521-4256.