FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: MARCH 13, 2002
CONTACT: LINDA MACIAS/PAUL TODD (202) 225-6161

Baca testifies on Inland Empire transit needs

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Representative Joe Baca (D-Rialto) testified today before the House of Representatives Subcommittee on Transportation and Related Agencies Appropriations to request funds for critical Inland Empire transportation projects.

"The Inland Empire of Southern California is not only the most rapidly growing region in California, but also among the fastest growing areas in the nation," Baca said. "Our transportation infrastructure, the interstate highway system and the roads and rails that crisscross the 42nd district are no longer adequate to meet current demands, much less future growth."

"Because of the recent decision not to build an airport at El Toro airbase in Orange County, Ontario International Airport will have to increase the number of flights it handles, causing further traffic congestion in the area. Infrastructure funding in the Inland Empire is of the utmost importance."

"An excellent example of what our region is up against is demonstrated in the need for the reconstruction of the Interstate 10 Riverside Avenue interchange."

Congressman Baca requested that some portion of the $11 million in federal funds that the City of Rialto will need for reconstruction if the I-10 Riverside Avenue interchange be appropriated by the Subcommittee. The reconstruction would include the widening of over cross structures, ramp modifications, traffic signal modifications and other improvements.

Congressman Baca also sought $2.5 million in federal funds for the construction of a new over-crossing at Interstate 10 and Cypress Avenue in the City of Fontana. The new crossing would provide increased access to the northern and southern portions of the city, and enable emergency service, commercial, and residential traffic to flow more freely.

"The residents of Fontana, California live in a city literally divided by Interstate 10," Baca said. "There are three interchanges across the freeway, but in such a large urban area, this has proven to be inadequate. Often residents have to travel eight miles to the next interchange to be able to cross to the other part of the city."

Baca also requested funds for other area projects including:

• The Interstate 10 Strategic Goods Movement Corridor Need Assessment Study project
• An Inland Empire transportation management center
• An alternative fueling site along the I-10 corridor
• Infrastructure improvements at the Santa Fe Depot in the Historic District of San Bernardino
• Bringing MAGLEV magnetic high speed rail to the Inland Empire

"I will be following up with specific transportation funding requests for these and other projects that will serve the people I represent," Baca said. "It is my duty as their elected representative to Congress to seek those federal funds that will benefit the communities in which they live."

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