Grant awarded to promote train travel to historic California park

The San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority (SJJPA) has obtained $50,000 through the Parks California Route to Parks grant program to support its the Amtrak San Joaquins train's annual Visit Allensworth California Heritage Program.

The program will help to increase access to Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park for Black students and community members ahead of the Juneteenth celebration and rededication event, SJJPA officials said in a press release.

The grant will fund Amtrak San Joaquins train tickets and meal vouchers for students in underserved communities, enabling them to visit the first town in California to be founded, financed and governed by African Americans. Amtrak San Joaquin will make special stops at the historic cite for the Juneteenth celebration on June 14, and the rededication event on Oct. 11.

“This grant will help elevate and expand the Visit Allensworth program, while allowing travelers to experience the benefits of public transportation through Amtrak San Joaquins," said Stacey Mortensen, executive director of SJJPA.