The
Thomas Enterprises team was delighted to extend a warm welcome
to California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger who visited the
historic Paint Shop at The Railyards in early July. The governor was
joined by state and local dignitaries at a press event to celebrate
the award of millions of dollars of state bonds for the massive
244-acre downtown project.
Calling
The Railyards "a spectacular project," Governor
Schwarzenegger highlighted the regional economic impact of the
redevelopment during his July 9 visit. The event marked the
formal distribution of $47 million in grants from the California
Department of Housing and Community Development. (HCD)
"After
years of challenges and tremendous cooperation, The Railyards will
shine brightly in the future." said the Governor. "I
love when we can support projects of historic importance,"
Schwarzenegger added. HCD director Lynn Jacobs presided at the
event and noted the award, which is the largest in the state, will
be used to build infrastructure at the
infill location. The funding will result in the creation
of thousands of jobs and affordable housing units near transit.
Those
in attendance at the press conference included State
Transportation Director Will Kempton, Department of Toxic
Substances Control Director Maureen Gorsen, State Parks
Director Ruth Coleman, Senate Republican Leader Dave Cogdill,
Sacramento State Senator Darrell Steinberg, Assemblymember Dave
Jones, Sacramento Mayor Heather Fargo, Thomas Enterprises Vice
President Suheil Totah as well as building and labor representatives.
Totah
remarked about the contributions of the pioneers who built
the railroad, including the Chinese workers, thousands of
other laborers, and former Governor Leland Stanford. "This
was once the heartbeat of our City; the economic engine for the
community," he said. "Today, with modern day pioneers
including our company founder Stan Thomas, the City, State and the
leadership of Governor Schwarzenegger, The Railyards will be
reborn."
To
watch a video of the event, visit
http://www.gov.ca.gov and
visit the press release index.
HCD
Award Will Jump-Start Infrastructure Work
The
two bond awards for The Railyards came from separate funds
with $30 million appropriated from the Infill
Infrastructure Grant Program, and an additional $17 million from
the Transit Oriented Development Program. The state
grant programs were established in 2006 following passage of the
$2.85 billion Proposition IC housing bond. "This will
speed the opening of The Railyards so the public can enjoy access to
one of the most historic locations in the country," said
Totah.
From
left to right, Elias Rashmawi, Director, Land Redevelopment, Thomas
Enterprises, Suheil Totah, Vice President, Thomas Enterprises,
Sacramento Mayor Heather Fargo, Chris Westlake, Deputy Director HCD,
Lynn Jacobs, HCD Director, Richard Rich, Development Director, Thomas
Enterprises.
Work
will begin immediately on the planning, design and
building of underground water, sewer and utilities as
well as roads and overpass construction. The infrastructure
grants will be used to extend Fifth Street to the north to Railyards
Boulevard, and to construct Railyards Boulevard from Bercut, east to
7th Street. This will allow pedestrian, bicycle and automobile
access over the railroad tracks. For more information on the HCD
award program, visit www.hcd.ca.gov
California
Transportation Commission Meeting
On July 24th
the California Transportation Commission will conduct a hearing on
the Railyards application for funding under Proposition
1B. The money is being sought to help fund the extension
of 6th street and for a planned bicycle and pedestrian tunnel
on 7th Street. A decision is expected by the end of August. |
Outside
Magazine Discovers Sacramento 
Sacramento
gets some well-deserved attention in the August edition of Outside magazine
which lists the 20 best towns in America. Under the
heading "Bright Idea" the editors laud the
city for transforming the region by thinking big and
supporting The Railyards as "one of the largest urban
restoration initiatives in U.S. history." The editors
also said, "These 20 stars of America's 21st century
renaissance are riding the wave of civic reinvention and fresh
ideas."
Also
mentioned - the explosion of downtown retail and restaurants.
Pick
up a copy today!
|
Thanks to Our Supporters
As
the dream of The Railyards begins to take shape, we want to recognize
the leadership and commitment of our many supporters and members of
the Sacramento Regional Railyard Coalition who have never faltered
from the vision of creating a renaissance at The Railyards. As
infrastructure work begins on the site, new jobs and tax
revenues will have a lasting impact on the region for
generations to come.
Recent Newsletters
June 2008
May 2008
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