Pelosi Announces the Release of $83.5 Million for Bay Area Transportation Projects

July 9, 2004

San Francisco, CA - House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi today announced the release of substantial funding for three Bay Area transportation projects from the 2004 Transportation Appropriations bill. These monies will support the extension of BART to SFO Airport, construction of the Muni Third Street Light Rail and New Central Subway, and Muni Bus and Bus Facility Upgrades.

"By continuing to improve public transportation in the Bay Area, we are demonstrating our commitment to preserving our environment for our children," said Pelosi. "These projects are vital to reducing air pollution and fuel consumption, and to easing the flow of commuters, workers and visitors in our City."

These funds are almost $30 million less than the levels appropriated by Congress in the 2004 Transportation Appropriations Bill because the Republican Leadership in Congress has refused to pass a highway-transit bill that will address the transportation and infrastructure needs of our country.

"A robust highway bill would create almost a half a million jobs immediately, protect our homeland, preserve our environment, promote commerce and improve productivity," said Pelosi. "Instead, the Republicans are dithering over a feeble bill which will not meet the needs of the American people and ignores the opportunity for job creation."

Pelosi secured funding for the following:

• BART to San Francisco International Airport, $73.9 million: Pelosi and the Bay Area congressional delegation secured $100 million in the FY2004 Transportation Appropriations Bill for the extension of Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) service to the San Francisco International Airport (SFO). This extension has created new links among communities and attracted new passengers, and will promote economic productivity and reduce traffic congestion as well as air pollution in the Bay Area.
  
  
• Muni Third Street Light Rail and New Central Subway, $6.65 million: Pelosi secured $9 million in the FY2004 Transportation Appropriations Bill for Phase II of the San Francisco Municipal Railway (Muni) Third Street Light Rail Transit Extension. Phase I of the project includes a 19 stop light-rail line that will be completed in 2005 and is funded almost exclusively by state and local sources. Phase II will extend the rail line underground into San Francisco's Chinatown District by 2012 through a 1.5-mile subway.
  
  
• Muni Bus and Bus Facility Upgrades, $2.95 million: Pelosi secured $4 million in the FY2004 Transportation Appropriations Bill for Muni to enhance efficiency and effectiveness of operations through security and technology upgrades and alternative fuel bus facilities.

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