Adam RollinsThe $1.3 billion San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) draft budget for Fiscal Year 2025 includes 219 projects and almost $240 million to improve streets, roads and transit operations. The SANDAG board of directors will meet May 10 to approve the final FY 2025 budget. If approved, the budget will take effect July 1, 2024.
“With key projects ranging from transit and corridor improvements to expansion of the regional bike network, this budget will increase equity and accessibility and enhance all our region has to offer,” said SANDAG and San Diego County Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Nora Vargas.
The draft budget emphasizes key projects and programs that will benefit the region:
The Airport Transit Connection will connect the San Diego International Airport to SANDAG’s regional transit system. SANDAG will integrate the connection with travel options such as regional rail, trolley, rapid and local bus services, shuttles and biking and walking areas. The project emphasizes convenience and reducing traffic without relying on cars.
The Los Angeles-San Diego-San Luis Obispo (LOSSAN) Corridor is a 351-mile rail line moving passengers, freight and military along one of the busiest intercity rail corridors in the nation. SANDAG is making short- and long-term improvements to protect the rail line from landslides, erosion and seismic activity. This includes stabilizing the Del Mar Bluffs and realigning the LOSSAN Corridor. Plans include moving the tracks away from the bluffs by 2035.
The Otay Mesa East Port of Entry (OME POE) is an upcoming project to enhance trade and commerce between California and Mexico. SANDAG, in collaboration with the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), will improve regional mobility, air quality and border crossing wait times. Plans include building a four-lane toll road along State Route 11 connecting OME POE to a commercial vehicle enforcement facility.
SANDAG will make improvements to the Blue Line Trolley, speeding up trip times and increasing access for riders. Plans include adding additional rapid transit options between South County and downtown San Diego, upgrading the San Ysidro Transit Center’s stop and deploying more rapid buses.
Rapid transit plans also include building the high-speed, high-capacity Purple Line. The line will connect some of the region’s most populated areas with major destinations for jobs, health care, education and more. SANDAG is working on two studies to determine the best way to build the line.
SANDAG represents the federal, state and local interests for 18 cities, 17 Tribal governments and San Diego County. This includes serving as the San Diego region’s Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), Regional Transportation Planning and Fund Allocation Agency and the Regional Consolidated Agency among other designations.
