The California Transportation Commission today allocated $128 million to 75 transportation projects statewide, including $36 million in economic stimulus funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act).

Contractor's bids have been significantly lower than expected on several Caltrans Recovery Act projects that received funding earlier this spring. In its ongoing effort to maximize all Recovery Act dollars coming to California, Caltrans will use the savings from these projects to fund other projects that would not have otherwise received funding. $25 million of the total stimulus funds allocated today were made possible through these savings.

Highlights of today's allocations include:

• $11 million from the Recovery Act to install roadside fencing at various locations statewide to protect motorists from wildlife and to plant native trees and shrubs to prevent erosion and safeguard water quality.


• $11 million from the Recovery Act to install signs in Los Angeles and Ventura counties to warn vehicles of height restrictions on freeway overpasses, viaducts, grade separations, etc.


• $14 million to reduce traffic congestion and freeway noise on I-8 in El Cajon in San Diego County.


• $29 million to make safety improvements on I-110 in Los Angeles from 8th Street to the I-110/I-10 connector that eliminate the need for vehicles to weave in traffic.