Baca Delivers in Transportation Bill

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Joe Baca (D-Rialto) was able to include $14 million worth of funds for the Inland Empire in H.R. 3550, the Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy For Users by the U.S. House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.

Yesterday, the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure approved a $275 billion bill that would provide federal funding for the nation's highway and transit programs for the next six years. The TEA-LU legislation was approved by a voice vote. The legislation is scheduled to be considered by the full House of Representatives late next week.

"I'm excited about the addition of projects for the Inland Empire in the TEA-LU bill," said Congressman Baca. "The bill was a step in the right direction but far from sufficient, it still does not provide California with a fair share of highway funding."

"California has paid more into the Highway Trust Fund than it has received back in federal highway spending since its creation in 1956," continued Congressman Baca. "We still need to move towards equity. Fortunately, I was able to include funding for some great programs that are needed throughout the 43rd District."

"The 43rd District is known as the goods movement corridor of Southern California, everything coming from port or train going into the interior of the Nation goes through the Inland Empire. We are no strangers to the importance of transportation management, that is why I was able to include funding for the city of Fontana, Rialto, Ontario, San Bernardino and Colton, in this needed piece of legislation," concluded Congressman Baca.

For background use -
Congressman Baca was able to include the following appropriations in the Transportation Reauthorization Bill:
1. $3.5 million for I-10 Cypress Avenue Overpass. Requested by Fontana.
2. $1.5 million for Inland Empire Transportation Management Center. Requested by SANBAG but located in Fontana.
3. $2.8 million for I-10 Riverside Avenue Interchange. Requested by Rialto.
4. $700,000 for expansion of Metrolink station. Requested by Rialto
5. $3.0 million for Milliken Avenue Grade Separation. Requested by Ontario.
6. $1.25 million for State Street Grade Separation. Requested by San Bernardino.
7. $1.25 million for widening of Mount Vernon Avenue Bridge. Requested by Colton.

Total - $14 million.