Today, Rep. Pete Aguilar announced that the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) awarded the San Bernardino Associated Governments (SANBAG) $8,678,312 in funding through a Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) Grant to help construct the Redlands Passenger Rail Project (RPRP). Rep. Aguilar has continually supported construction of the RPRP, beginning with his time leading the countywide ballot measure (Measure 'I') as campaign manager, to his service as Councilmember and Mayor of Redlands serving on the SANBAG Board of Directors, and now in his role as the region’s congressman.

“The Redlands Passenger Rail Project is an important investment for our community,” said Rep. Aguilar. He continued, “The RPRP will help spur economic development, ease traffic congestion and pollution and will make daily transportation for San Bernardino County families safer and more efficient. I’m glad to see this grant come through and commend SANBAG and our local leaders for their continued activism that helped make this possible.”

The Redlands Passenger Rail Project is a nine-mile rail extension that offers a new commuting option while introducing an environmentally sustainable mode of transportation that creates reliable access to employment, education, recreation, cultural enrichment and health care centers.

“We are thrilled that the USDOT sees the value in supporting key transportation improvements that enhance the quality of life for our residents,” SANBAG President Robert Lovingood said. “This new passenger rail service represents one of the solutions to the transportation challenges we face in a fast-growing region.”

“This is exciting news for the rail project and certainly for the City of Redlands as we move closer to making this long-envisioned project a reality,” said Mayor Paul Foster. “Once completed the rail line will have tremendous benefits for Redlands residents, for commuters and for local businesses as customers find a quick and convenient way to travel into the City. As always, we appreciate Congressman Aguilar’s continued advocacy for our community.”

“I'm pleased to congratulate SANBAG on receiving the TIGER grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation to provide a new passenger rail service through the cities of Redlands and San Bernardino," California Assemblymember Cheryl Brown said. "This project will enhance mobility, improve air quality and boost our economy by creating thousands of jobs.  I commend Raymond Wolfe and his team for their innovative vision and commitment to advancing infrastructure improvements throughout our region.”

“This grant recognizes the great work we are advancing in San Bernardino County to provide viable options that connect people to destinations within their community and across the entire Southern California region,” James Ramos, Chair of the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors, said.  “It is exciting to be a part of the emergence of San Bernardino County.”

Rep. Aguilar has been a leading voice in the fight for federal funds to finance the infrastructure project, which will run through the cities of Redlands and San Bernardino. Earlier this year, Rep. Aguilar advocated for the project to U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx in a formal letter of support and later personally advocated for the project in a conversation with the Secretary. Rep. Aguilar highlighted the economic opportunities that the Redlands Passenger Rail will produce for the Inland Empire, including the projected 3,000 jobs RPRP will create. It will also establish an environmentally sustainable transportation option for thousands of San Bernardino County residents and businesses. Investing in transportation and infrastructure is one of Rep. Aguilar’s top priorities and plays a significant role in his Jobs Plan—his strategy to get the Inland Empire economy back on track. The letter of support can be read in full here and Rep. Aguilar’s Jobs Plan can be found here.