A bus rapid transit line in the South Bay and an affordable housing project in National City were awarded millions of dollars in grants Tuesday from the state Strategic Growth Council.
The money was awarded for projects that couple affordable housing with access to public transit.
The council gave $9.2 million to the city of National City for the Westside Infill Transit Oriented Development project, which will include 201 affordable units along Paradise Creek. The project also includes a park, trail, bicycle lanes and improvements for the disabled.
"The community had a vision for a healthier neighborhood and this $9.2 million support brings it to fruition," said Carolina Martinez, with the Environmental Health Coalition.
"We know with better access to public transit, biking and walking paths, residents have transportation options that could lead to reduced air pollution and childhood asthma rates," Martinez said. "We're grateful to work with the city and the developers to fulfill one of the community's most important projects."
The agency awarded $7 million to the San Diego Association of Governments to complete the 21-mile South Bay Bus Rapid Transit Project, which will run between the Otay Mesa Port of Entry and downtown San Diego. The money will pay for construction of the last 11 miles in Chula Vista and a new transportation center at the border.
The six-stop bus route will provide a viable transit option to residents in an area which has none currently, according to the council.
