California's Bipartisan Congressional Delegation
Meets with Transportation Secretary Mineta

October 17, 2002

WASHINGTON, D.C. -Congressman David Dreier (R-San Dimas), Leader of the California Republican Congressional Delegation, along with Congressman Sam Farr (D-Carmel), Chairman of the Democrat Delegation, recently chaired a meeting of the bipartisan California Congressional Delegation with fellow Californian and Transportation Secretary Norman Y. Mineta present to discuss pressing California transportation issues.

"In California, transportation is a bipartisan issue," Dreier said. "Improvements to our transportation infrastructure will result in reduced congestion, improved safety, lower transportation costs, improved productivity, growth, and competitiveness and reduced pollution. We know dedicating resources to transportation needs will benefit our economy and enhance the quality of life for millions of Californians."

Among the topics discussed at the meeting was the completion of the Alalmeda Corridor East project, which Dreier has been working on for nearly twenty years. "With the completion of the Alameda Corridor earlier this year, we must now focus on continuing the free movement of goods eastward through our region while eliminating traffic congesion and safety problems along the way," Dreier stated. "Secretary Mineta was integrally involved in the origination of this project, and I look forward to continuing to work with him on such a critical infrastructure necessity in the San Gabriel Valley and San Bernardino County." The Alameda Corridor East project includes grade separations and safety upgrades along an east-west corridor to move goods from the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach to the rest of the country.

"As a former Member of Congress from San Jose and Chairman of the House Transportation Committee, Secretary Mineta really understands California's transportation needs," Dreier said. "He also understands that California's economy relies on a strong, safe transportation system to move goods through our state to the rest of the nation and the world."