U.S. Congressman Joe Baca – 43rd District

Washington, DC – Last night, the House of Representatives approved the Fiscal Year 2011 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development appropriations bill, legislation that includes $43.83 million for the Inland area in projects secured by Congressman Joe Baca (D-Rialto).  The bill includes funding secured by Rep. Baca for critical public transportation and community improvement projects, and passed the House with a 251 to 167 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 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 2011 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development appropriations bill include:

• $42.63 million for the San Bernardino, E Street Corridor sbX bus project [requested in conjunction with President Obama];
• $700,000 to the City of Rialto for improvements and expansions to the Metrolink parking lot; and
• $500,000 to the City of San Bernardino for the construction of the Intermodal Transit Center, designed to serve as a new hub of mass transit for the entire Inland Empire.

“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 public transportation for all area residents, while also helping to get more cars off the road to ease congestion and improve air quality for Inland residents.  As the only Member of the Inland Congressional Delegation to support appropriation funding for local projects in FY 2011, I am proud to secure these critical federal dollars.”

The Transportation, Housing and Urban Development appropriations bill now awaits action by the U.S. Senate.