Clean California to fund art and landscaping projects on the OC Freeway – Orange County Register

Construction on dozens of projects across Orange County, funded with help from the state’s Clean California initiative, is expected to begin this spring.

A small park along the Santiago Creek Bike Trail in Orange, Santa Ana First Street Caltrans Work Program parking improvements and landscaping at sites along multiple freeways that span the county is one of the projects that will receive about 312 million USD. around California to beautify the state’s highway system.

The project’s funding is just one part of the $1.1 billion Clean California initiative, which aims to help reduce litter, beautify public spaces and create jobs over the next few years.

Some 12 projects in Orange County along state priorities including planting and mulching, weed removal, fencing or landscaping, and measures to discourage illegal dumping.

Caltrans officials in a news release Thursday highlighted plans that include improvements to the walking and biking path that runs beneath Interstate 5 on El Horno Street in San Juan Capistrano and construction a “gateway monument decorated with artistic features” near Highway 57 in Placenta.

Caltrans Director Toks Omishakin said the agency “works with communities throughout California to identify and develop projects that meet the specific needs of individual areas while enhancing and beautifying public spaces.” add”.

In total, 126 projects on the state’s highway system across California are being funded in the amount of $312 million. Work is expected to begin in April.

“By working together, we can restore public pride in our communities and help change littering habits in the first place,” says Omishakin.

Another $296 million from the Clean California pot will be used to fund local park and street improvement projects. Those who receive those will be announced next month.