Larry Klein
Mayor
Linda Sell
Vice Mayor
Alysa Cisneros
Councilmember
Richard Mehlinger
Councilmember
Murali Srinivasan
Councilmember
Charlsie Chang
Councilmember
Eileen Le
Councilmember
May 28, 2025
The Honorable Ro Khanna
United States House of Representatives
306 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
RE: 2025 Surface Transportation Reauthorization Requests for City of Sunnyvale Dear Representative Khanna,
I am writing to express our support for maintaining the funding levels for the below listed programs from the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) as Congress crafts a new Surface Transportation Reauthorization bill:
1. Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A), authorized in Section 24112 of the IIJA, under 23 USC § 402
2. Reconnecting Communities Pilot Program (RCP), authorized in section 11509 of the IIJA, under 26 USC § 9503 (Highway Trust Fund)
3. Bridge Investment Program (BIP), authorized in section 11118 of the IIJA, now 23 USC § 124
4. Active Transportation Infrastructure Investment Program (ATIIP), authorized in section 11529 of the IIJA, under 23 USC § 217
5. Railroad Crossing Elimination Program (RCE), authorized in Section 22305 of the IIJA, now 49 USC § 22909
Collectively, these funding opportunities provide a valuable community development mechanism that has allowed us to pursue generational investments in infrastructure.
These programs are critical to our continued intention to revitalize our community economically and build for the future.
The Safe Streets and Roads for All program (SS4A) allows for the implementation of vital safety measures, reduces traffic fatalities, and creates safer environments for all road users, including pedestrians and cyclists. Continued funding for this program is essential to sustain and expand these efforts, ensuring that our streets remain safe and accessible for everyone. The City applied for SS4A in 2024 for the Bernardo Avenue Bicycle and Pedestrian Undercrossing project. The application was unsuccessful but Attachment 1
The Honorable Ro Khanna, U.S. House of Representatives
May 28, 2025
received high rankings. Staff is currently working on updating that application and will be submitting again this round.
The Reconnecting Communities Pilot Program provides invaluable support in addressing blight caused by our transportation system. By reconnecting communities that have been divided by highways and other transportation infrastructure, residents experience greater social and economic opportunities. Continued funding for this program is vital to ensure that we can continue bridging these divides and promote conscientious development.
The Bridge Investment Program presents the opportunity to replace, rehabilitate, and preserve some of the oldest and most relied upon transportation infrastructure in our community. This program addresses critical safety concerns, enhances connectivity, and stimulates economic growth. Investing in bridge repair and modernization not only ensures the safety and reliability of transportation networks but also creates jobs, supports local economies, and fosters sustainable development.
The Active Transportation Infrastructure Investment Program continues to be a pivotal opportunity promoting new and healthy transportation options. By investing in infrastructure that supports walking, biking, and other forms of active transportation, communities can improve environmental outcomes and enhance the quality of life for residents. Sustained funding for this program is essential to continue these positive impacts. The City’s Active Transportation Plan includes multiple projects that could compete well for this program. This would allow the City to implement multiple much needed high priority bicycle, pedestrian, and Safe Routes to School improvements.
Lastly, the Railroad Crossing Elimination Program has significantly improved the safety and efficiency of California’s transportation network. By eliminating dangerous railroad crossings, particularly at-grade crossings, we reduce the risk of accidents and improve traffic flow. This program is crucial for maintaining the safety of our residents and the efficiency of our transportation infrastructure. The City intends to apply for this program for the Mary Avenue Caltrain Grade Separation project in the next round. This project will eliminate the existing at-grade crossing of a major north-south commute corridor by building an undercrossing while improving bicycle and pedestrian connections along both Mary Avenue and Evelyn Avenue.
Attachment 1
The Honorable Ro Khanna, U.S. House of Representatives
May 28, 2025
Given the critical nature of all these projects, funded by Surface Transportation dollars, I respectfully urge maintaining the IIJA funding levels for the aforementioned programs. This investment is essential to support the successful implementation of projects like ours, which will have far-reaching positive impacts on our communities and their economies.
I also ask for your support for legacy authorizations, which remain the bedrock of our collective infrastructure policy. Programs like CMAQ, STBG, BUILD (RAISE), and INFRA have long been a reliable and consistent source of funding our city and region depend on. Surface Transportation remains critical to economic and workforce development and Surface Transportation dollars are the mechanism for that investment.
Thank you for your consideration of our request.
Sincerely,
Larry Klein
Mayor
cc: City Council
Tim Kirby, City Manager
Sarah Johnson-Rios, Assistant City Manager
Chip Taylor, Director of Public Works
Attachment 1