Federal Appropriations Will Fund Local Road Construction, Public Transportation Projects

Washington, DC – Last night, a bipartisan majority in the House of Representatives approved the Fiscal Year 2010 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development appropriations bill, legislation that includes $35.57 million for the Inland area in projects secured by Congressman Joe Baca (D-Rialto). The bill includes funding secured by Rep. Baca for critical road construction, public transportation, and community improvement projects, and passed the House with a 256 to 168 vote.

“The federal assistance in this bill will help to reduce congestion for Inland residents, and improve the overall quality of life in our communities,” said Rep. Baca.  “I applaud the House for its swift action in passing this meaningful transportation bill, which also has the potential to create new jobs here at home, and help stimulate our local economy.”

The funding project requests made by Rep. Baca and secured in the FY 2010 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development appropriations bill include:

• $32.37 million for the San Bernardino, E Street Corridor sbX bus project [requested in conjunction with President Obama and Rep. Gary Miller];
• $1 million to the National Community Renaissance Affordable Housing Program in Rancho Cucamonga [requested in conjunction with Reps. Ken Calvert and Gary Miller];
• $950,000 for the I-10 Grove Avenue and Fourth Street Interchange, and Grove Avenue Corridor Project in Ontario;
• $750,000 for the Cherry Avenute/I-10 Interchange Project in Fontana; and
• $500,000 for the construction of the Verdemont Community Center [requested in conjunction with Rep. Jerry Lewis].  

“Better investment in our nation’s infrastructure is imperative to the success of our economic recovery,” concluded Rep. Baca.  “The vital local funding included in this bill will improve the movement of goods through the Inland Empire, and help to solidify our area as the transportation hub for Southern California.  I urge the Senate to quickly pass its Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations bill, and the President to sign this necessary funding into law.”