Senator Boxer: New Infrastructure and Jobs for Inland Empire   

Friday, February 26, 2010  

I am pleased to let you know about the announcement of a major federal investment in a much-needed project for San Bernardino County. As local residents know, a substantial amount of the train traffic leaving the ports near Los Angeles all travel through the inland area, from Fontana to Redlands in San Bernardino County.

Too often, these trains back up at a rail intersection known as the Colton Crossing. More than 100 trains pass through the area daily, and many back up, creating a major chokepoint. The trains continue to idle, causing serious air pollution.

The Department of Transportation recently announced that nearly $34 million will be spent to solve this railway traffic jam. The project will not just solve local air and traffic pollution; it will also create much-needed jobs in the Inland Empire.

I have long supported grade separations along the Alameda Corridor. Last year, I was able to secure $1.3 million in federal funding for grade separations in the Inland Empire.

This year the news is even better. I am very pleased that this $34 million investment from the Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) Grant program will be used to put people to work and solve a significant infrastructure problem for local residents.

Sincerely,