BART to Silicon Valley Gains $192.5 Million Boost from MTC, Senator Cortese Calls for Continued Momentum

SAN JOSE, CA — California State Senator Dave Cortese (D-San Jose) today commended the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) for advancing an initial $192.5 million investment leveraging Regional Measure 3 (RM3) dollars to be granted to the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) for the BART to Silicon Valley Phase II Project.

The funding will support critical tunnel-readiness activities, including instrumentation and monitoring before tunneling begins. The initial funding is part of a $325.9 million contract package that also includes $133.4 million in local 2000 Measure A and 2016 Measure B funds.

The approximately six-mile extension includes a five-mile subway tunnel, three underground stations (28th Street/Little Portugal, Downtown San José, and Diridon), one at-grade station (Santa Clara), and a maintenance facility at Newhall Yard. 

“This $192.5 million investment is more than a funding allocation. It is a commitment to finally delivering the BART extension Silicon Valley has been promised,” said Senator Cortese. “As a former Chair of the Metropolitan Transportation Commission, I know firsthand the importance of regional cooperation and keeping major transportation projects moving forward. Now is not the time to take our foot off the pedal. We must continue securing the funding and support needed to keep construction moving, protect this investment, and get BART to Downtown San José and Santa Clara. Our region has waited long enough.” 

MTC’s overall funding plan identifies $375 million in RM3 funding for the BART to Silicon Valley Phase II project, with $192.5 million recommended for the initial allocation and approximately $182.5 million remaining available for future allocation as the project progresses.

The BART to Silicon Valley Phase II project has an estimated total cost of approximately $12.7 billion and is being funded through a combination of local, regional, state and federal sources, including RM3, SB 125, state funding and a proposed federal New Starts grant.

Senator Dave Cortese represents Senate District 15, which encompasses San Jose and much of Santa Clara County in the heart of Silicon Valley. Visit Senator Cortese’s website: https://sd15.senate.ca.gov

Contact:

Mario B. Lopez, Communications Director

Office of Senator Dave Cortese | District 15

Phone: 408-545-8205 | Email: Mario.lopez@sen.ca.gov

For Scheduling Interviews

Natasha Waxman, Executive Assistant 

Office of Senator Dave Cortese | District 15

Email: natasha.waxman@sen.ca.gov 

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