In The News

ELK GROVE, Calif. — Congressman Ami Bera (D) met with Elk Grove city leaders Tuesday to discuss millions of dollars in funding that he secured to improve infrastructure in the region through the Invest in America Act.

However, that funding still hinges on the massive infrastructure bill also passing the Senate.

If passed, Elk Grove could receive around $2 million dollars to go toward the plan already in the works to improve Elk Grove Boulevard in Old Town Elk Grove, the city's downtown area.

Jeff Werner, public works director for the city, said the project would widen the road, add sidewalks and bicycle paths to make it more pedestrian friendly.

"What it will provide is some minor road widening, sidewalks and bike lanes as well as a center turn lane to really ease traffic and provide for multi-modal transportation accessibility," Werner said.

The project would complement the recently improved plaza which aims to draw crowds to the area in hopes of spurring investment.

"We're hoping with all this revitalization that this is going to incentivize others to invest here in Old Town. And so, we're very… confident and excited about these opportunities," said Elk Grove Mayor Bobbie Singh-Allen.

Congressman Bera helped secure more than $19 million in funding for local infrastructure projects, like the one in the city's downtown area.

"We've got our work ahead of us the next couple of weeks to try to do what President Biden has asked us to do. (That) is to come together and pass a real big bi-partisan infrastructure."

The funds hinging on the Senate passing that bill, which Bera said he hopes will pass.