JOLON — A nearly $9.8 million federal grant will fund improvements to Jolon Road in South Monterey County, including rehabilitation of approximately 8.7 miles of the narrow rural corridor serving U.S. Army Garrison Fort Hunter Liggett.
Rep. Zoe Lofgren announced the $9,784,000 grant Sept. 22 through the Defense Community Infrastructure Program, which supports infrastructure improvements that contribute to the readiness of military installations.
The project will cover the section of Jolon Road from Mission Road south to Bradley-Lockwood Road. The road runs parallel to Highway 101 and is the only corridor serving Fort Hunter Liggett.
“I am thrilled to see that this grant was secured and that Jolon Road will be getting necessary safety improvements,” Lofgren said. “It’s fantastic news for the Monterey County residents that regularly drive this narrow road, especially our brave troops at Fort Hunter Liggett that rely on it. I commend Supervisor Lopez and Monterey County for their work on this issue, and I’ll always continue to be supportive of efforts to revitalize infrastructure and make California’s 18th district safer.”
Monterey County Supervisor Chris Lopez said the funding will address long-standing needs along the rural corridor.
“This is a big win for South Monterey County and a reminder of what is possible when we make sure rural communities have a seat at the table,” Lopez said. “Jolon Road has served our families, our visitors and Fort Hunter Liggett for generations, and this nearly $9.8 million investment will help us make long-overdue improvements to this critical corridor. Our rural roads matter, and the people who rely on them every day deserve safe, reliable infrastructure. I am grateful to Congresswoman Lofgren for continuing to show up for South Monterey County, and to our County Public Works team and partners at Fort Hunter Liggett for helping us bring this investment home. This is what partnership looks like, and I am excited to see these dollars put to work in our community.”
Fort Hunter Liggett Commander Col. Jason McKenzie said the road is critical to the military installation.
“Jolon Road is the sole gateway and vital lifeline for everyone who lives, works and trains at Fort Hunter Liggett,” McKenzie said. “This $9.8 million DCIP grant to Monterey County is a monumental achievement that positively impacts combat readiness of the military. We are incredibly grateful to Rep. Zoe Lofgren, County Supervisor Chris Lopez and the Monterey County Department of Public Works for their tireless partnership and support to this project.”
Jolon Road is a rural, two-lane road constructed in the 1940s with little-to-no shoulders. The approximately 39-mile road connects to Highway 101 in King City and Bradley.
After decades of use, the road has geometric deficiencies and poor pavement conditions and requires rehabilitation to improve safety, officials said.
Earlier this year, Lofgren announced $8.6 million in road safety grants across California’s 18th Congressional District. In 2024, Lofgren also secured $40 million for Fort Hunter Liggett to build a Network Enterprise Center to modernize the base’s secure communications, IT services and cybersecurity infrastructure.
