Long-awaited SLO overpass to get millions in federal funding — along with 2 other projects
More than $4 million is expected to go to major infrastructure projects in San Luis Obispo County thanks to federal funding bills passed by the U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday.
The bills would provide funding for construction of a new Highway 101 interchange in San Luis Obispo, renovation of an Arroyo Grande bridge and upgrades for a “critical multi-use pier” in Morro Bay, according to a news release from Congressman Salud Carbajal, who represents the Central Coast.
“I am proud to have secured more than $4 million for San Luis Obispo County that will improve our quality of life once approved by the Senate and signed into law for the upcoming fiscal year,” Carbajal said in the release. “With these funds, we will be able to make critical upgrades to our roads and highways, bridges and piers to keep commerce and people moving smoothly throughout our region.”
Carbajal said he specifically requested and pushed for the funding for “these and other Central Coast projects.” In total, Carbajal sought roughly $22.5 million for 14 projects in the House’s funding bills, according to the release.
Of those, 12 projects have advanced through the House and are going on to the U.S. Senate for potential approval.
$2 million to go to Prado Road interchange in SLO
According to the release, more than $2 million is expected to go to construction of the long-awaited Prado Road interchange.
That project would add a bridge spanning Highway 101 in San Luis Obispo at Prado Road, new on- and off-ramps and auxiliary lanes on the highway and separated sidewalks and protected bike lanes for both sides of Prado Road, according to the release.
If the project can secure all of the funding needed, construction could begin in late 2025, according to the release.
Morro Bay T-Pier to get $1.5 million for upgrades
The funding sets aside $1.5 million for Morro Bay’s North T-Pier, which is used for commercial fishing, Coast guard operations, tourism and residential communities, according to the release.
The pier needs upgrades to improve the structure’s safety and for it to serve as the primary hub of operations for offshore wind infrastructure that could be coming to Morro Bay, the release said.
Arroyo Grande’s swinging bridge to get $500,000
The funding package sets aside $500,000 for the rehabilitiation and retrofit of Arroyo Grande’s iconic Swinging Bridge.
The bridge, which was originally built in 1875, crosses a creek and spans 171 feet between The Village and neighboring residential homes.
The full list of projects requested by Carbajal can be found online at carbajal.house.gov.
This story was originally published July 21, 2022 at 5:00 AM.
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