House Approves Critical Transportation Funds for Foothills

June 14, 2006

WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman David Dreier (R-San Dimas,CA), Chairman of the House Rules Committee, voted today to approve legislation that provides funds for several key transportation projects in the Foothills. The Treasury, Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, the Judiciary, the District of Columbia, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2007, H.R. 5576, was approved with bipartisan support, 406-22.

"Maintaining a safe, reliable transportation system is vital to the personal safety of Southern Californians, as well as the economy in which they work and live," Dreier said. "The funding approved today addresses different needs in different communities. By helping to alleviate congestion and sustain public transportation, this bill funds key priorities that will enhance the quality of life for residents of the Foothills."

Included in the bill is: $1.5 million for continued work on the Alameda Corridor East to alleviate traffic congestion through grade separations and improved safety for pedestrians at rail crossings; $2 million for Foothill Transit for the ongoing development of park-and-ride facilities to serve bus riders; $500,000 for ongoing planning and design of the Gold Line Foothill Extension light rail project; $1 million for the Monrovia Transit Village along the planned Gold Line Foothill Extension; $750,000 for ongoing construction of the I-15 Base Line Road Interchange; $500,000 for the ongoing effort to build a sound wall along the I-210 in La Canada Flintridge; and $3 million for airport lighting and safety equipment produced at New Bedford Panoramex in Upland.