Just ahead of National Infrastructure Week, which begins May 13, Caltrans recently launched a new interactive map that spotlights hundreds of beautification projects funded by Clean California. The geographic information system mapping tool offers users location-specific, multilayered data that demonstrates the impact these community-focused improvements and infrastructure investments are making throughout the state.
The map lists 319 projects statewide, powered by $643 million in funding from Clean California, Gov. Gavin Newsom’s sweeping $1.2 billion multiyear effort led by Caltrans to clean up, reclaim, transform and beautify public spaces statewide. Nearly all projects benefit underserved communities, reports Caltrans.
Currently, two projects are located in Plumas County: a pocket park in Quincy and landscaping restoration in Greenville.
“Clean California projects are boosting community pride and making hundreds of neighborhoods safer, cleaner and healthier places to live,” said Caltrans Director Tony Tavares. “This new digital application gives Californians a comprehensive list of beautification sites across the state and where their important infrastructure dollars are being invested.”
Using the new GIS mapping tool, users can search projects by county, city, ZIP code or address to locate completed or active Clean California projects in their area. The projects are color-coded based on project type, such as local grant projects, beautification projects and local transit partnership projects. Each entry also includes a detailed project description, cost information and identification of the government agency responsible for leading the effort.
A short video demonstrating the tool is available on YouTube.
Since launching Clean California in July 2021, Caltrans and its local partners have picked up more than 2.3 million cubic yards of litter — enough to fill about 700 Olympic-size swimming pools. This represents a substantial increase compared to the department’s previous trash collection efforts and can largely be attributed to Clean California, along with other Caltrans litter removal efforts. Caltrans has hosted more than 500 free dump days in communities throughout the state, resulting in the collection of 12,000-plus mattresses and nearly 50,000 tires. The initiative has drawn more than 10,000 community cleanup volunteers and created 15,000 jobs, including positions for individuals who were formerly incarcerated, on probation or experiencing housing insecurity. For more information, visit CleanCA.com.
Information provided by Caltrans