Washington, D.C. - Rep. Howard L. Berman (CA-Van Nuys) announced today that the House of Representatives has approved two projects that will improve the quality of life for residents of the San Fernando Valley.

 

“At my request, the House Transportation-Treasury-HUD appropriations bill includes $500,000 for the installation of street lights in low-income, high-crime areas of San Fernando Valley, including Sun Valley, Arleta, Panorama City and Van Nuys,” Berman said.  “Remarkably, the City of L.A. does not pay for the installation or maintenance of street lights in areas where they do not currently exist,” Berman continued.  “Rather, local Proposition 218 requires residents to assess themselves for these costs. The average cost for the installation of a single streetlight is approximately $1,200, and the annual maintenance cost is approximately $55.  These costs are prohibitive for many low-income residents.”

 

 “The bill also includes $300,000 to design and construct streetscape improvements and pedestrian amenities on Vineland Ave. and Tujunga Blvd. in North Hollywood, including enhanced lighting, new sidewalks, street furniture and street trees,” Berman concluded.  “The goal is to improve the environment for pedestrians on a busy commercial corridor served by the Red and Orange MTA lines, and adjacent to a new public high school.”

 

These projects are included in H.R. 5576, the fiscal year 2007 Transportation-Treasury-HUD appropriations bill, as approved by the House. 

 

###