Project Exceeds Goal on Minority Contracts

The governmental agency building a $2-billion rail expressway to serve the county’s ports announced Thursday that it has exceeded its goals for awarding contracts to small businesses and minority-owned companies.

Officials of the Alameda Corridor Transportation Authority said the businesses have received $16.9 million in work, about 24% of the value of all contracts awarded so far. Five months ago, the agency’s governing board required that at least 22% of all contracts be granted to so-called disadvantaged business enterprises. These companies are either owned by women and minorities or have revenues that fall below a certain amount depending on the type of business.

The corridor authority recruited the companies using an outreach program that includes public workshops and advertising.