Plans to enhance public transportation for Treasure Island residents have hit a significant roadblock following the termination of a nearly $20 million federal grant by the Trump administration.
This grant, which was part of the Treasure Island Connects program, aimed to improve connectivity not just within the island but also with mainland San Francisco.
If implemented, the funds from the bipartisan Inflation Reduction Act could have introduced a range of transit services, including a microtransit pilot program, on-demand shuttles for the island, enhancements to the existing Muni 25 bus service, construction of an electric ferry charging station, and the establishment of a BayWheels bike share system.
Moreover, the plan sought to create a transportation resource center that would provide job opportunities for local residents while addressing environmental and public health concerns.
San Francisco transportation officials, community stakeholders, and District 6 Supervisor Matt Dorsey now face uncertainty regarding the future of these critical projects.
Dorsey expressed concerns over the federal government’s unpredictability, emphasizing that the rescindment of the grant represents a troubling trend of disregard toward urban development initiatives.
He stated, “We have never seen anything quite like this, where there’s just a level of capriciousness about commitments that the federal government is making, and we’re just not sure if we’re gonna see those dollars.”
Nella Goncalves, executive director of the nonprofit One Treasure Island, stressed that improved transportation would have shown residents that living on the island doesn’t necessitate a car.
“It’s unfortunate because it would have been a game changer for residents being able to get around the island and off the island with ease,” Goncalves noted.
With San Francisco planning to add 8,000 new homes to Treasure Island and Yerba Buena Island, community leaders stress the urgent need for alternative funding.
Goncalves remarked, “We are working diligently to be more acknowledged in the city as a San Francisco neighborhood that needs all of the amenities that all of the other neighborhoods enjoy.”
While her nonprofit has initiated applications for other grants and secured some private foundation funding, she described this assistance as “a drop in the bucket” given the community’s broader needs.
Suany Chough, assistant deputy director for planning with the San Francisco County Transportation Authority, confirmed that the federal government paused the project in January and issued a termination notice in early May.
Chough referred to the loss of the grant as devastating, particularly since it aimed to address projects that the community had specifically requested.
She indicated that the agency is actively seeking alternative funding sources while exploring any remaining legal options.
With significant new development underway, effective infrastructure is crucial to support the anticipated influx of residents in the coming years.
“The community is undergoing a great transition,” Chough said, referencing the population growth from around 2,000 residents to 1,000 new residences developed in recent years, with more activity expected.
Despite the setback, Dorsey remains optimistic about the future of Treasure Island, which could soon accommodate a population of up to 20,000.
“The city is going to continue to build housing here, and we will have to find a way to pay for the infrastructure that we need and make sure that people can get around on the island,” he affirmed.
An attractive environment for businesses and residents is a priority, with Dorsey expecting a thriving community complete with dining and recreational options.
He has directed the city’s transportation authority to seek new funding avenues, including possibly tapping into federal resources, although he remains skeptical of future grants being designated as environmental justice.
Dorsey expressed, “Whether we call it environmental justice or not, this is ultimately about making sure that a major American city, with an expanding population and infrastructure needs, can be a thriving economic powerhouse.”
He stressed, “We should be getting help from our federal partners to succeed. What happens in San Francisco is ultimately good for the economy of the United States of America.”
In light of potential funding challenges, Goncalves emphasized that her organization would not compromise on its mission.
“I’m not going to change what we do,” she asserted.
The focus remains on building a mixed-income, diverse, and inclusive neighborhood on Treasure Island, ensuring everyone feels they belong.
Goncalves concluded, “We’ve been doing this for over 30 years. This is just a blip in our plan.”
image source from：https://www.kqed.org/science/1997068/sf-planned-to-improve-treasure-islands-transit-trump-took-back-the-funds
