House Approves $16 million for District Transportation

(Washington D.C.)- The House of Representatives approved on Friday the transportation bill known as TEA-LU, which contains almost $16 million in federal money that will be directed solely to highway and transit projects in Congresswoman Grace F. Napolitano’s 38th district during the next four years. An additional approximately $31.25 million will be used to fund grade separation projects in the San Gabriel Valley along the Union Pacific rail line known as the Alameda Corridor East.

 The Congresswoman secured more than $4 million to widen Interstate 5 through Norwalk and Santa Fe Springs and $6.3 million to improve the interchange of State Route 71 and Mission Boulevard in Pomona. California residents will still wind up giving more money in gas taxes to the federal government than they will get back under the $286 billion bill.

 “I am grateful that we have finally passed this important legislation that will help ease major traffic difficulties and improve public safety in our region,” said Napolitano, D-Norwalk. “Would I have liked to see more money included for such vital needs? You bet. We still do not receive an equitable return of transportation funds.”

 The Alameda Corridor East project, or ACE, will receive $125 million split between four counties in the Projects of National and Regional Significance section of TEA-LU. It is designed to maintain safety along the 35-mile freight corridor that is expected to see an increase of train traffic by as much as 160 percent by the year 2020. The project contains three components: 20 underpasses, safety improvements at 42 grade crossings, and a system that will synchronize rail and vehicle traffic.

 “I applaud Congressman David Dreier and Congresswoman Juanita Millender-McDonald for pushing to get this critical funding for ACE,” Napolitano said.

 Napolitano also joined fellow California Reps. Linda Sanchez, Diane Watson and Lucille Roybal-Allard in urging legislators to include stringent rail safety standards for railroad companies. The bill requires the Department of Transportation to conduct reports on the safety of grade crossings and older tank cars. It also implements tougher standards for testing tracks and older tank cars.

 “I will continue to fight to keep our community safe and do everything I can to prevent these terrible accidents,” she said.
 
 A list of projects located within the 38th Congressional District is attached. 

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