House Approves Funding for Local Transportation Projects

September 10, 2003

WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman David Dreier (R-CA), Chairman of the House Rules Committee, voted last night to approve funding for several local transportation projects included H.R. 2989, the Transportation, Treasury and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2004. The bill was approved today with broad bipartisan support, 381-39. The House version will be reconciled with a Senate version once it is approved later in the fall.

"Efficient transportation makes it possible for our area's economy to thrive," Dreier said. "I'm very pleased we were able to secure this funding for a myriad of important projects. From expanding the Gold line to improving safety on the Alameda Corridor East Project to providing the money necessary for more mass transit, this funding will improve the quality of life and business opportunities in our area."

Included in H.R. 2989 is:

• $3.25 million for grade separations, traffic signal synchronization, and safety upgrades along the corridor for the Alameda Corridor East;
• $1 million for ongoing planning for Gold Line Light Rail Phase II extension from Pasadena to Claremont;
• $4 million for Foothill Transit's construction of commuter park-and-ride facilities to encourage transit use in the San Gabriel and Pomona Valleys;
• $1 million for the construction of improvements to the I-15/BaseLine Interchange in the City of Rancho Cucamonga;
• $2.5 million for the Intermodal Transit Village Expansion Project in the City of Claremont.

Dreier noted that the increased use of buses in the area would help alleviate environmental concerns, as well as traffic headaches. "The less cars on the road, the better for our air quality and those notorious traffic jams. It's my hope that the increased bus service will also be a help to those who depend on public transportation to get to work or school."