Fontana could get federal funds for major transportation project
Fontana could receive federal funding for a major transportation upgrade known as the #BUILDFontana project, according to Rep. Norma J. Torres (D-35th District).
On June 25, Torres announced House passage of more than $305 million in federal funding she requested for transportation and infrastructure improvements in the Fiscal Year 2020 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Funding Bill.
Torres said the legislation may help alleviate traffic congestion in Fontana and several other nearby cities, thereby addressing a major concern expressed by many Inland Empire residents.
The Cal State San Bernardino 2018 Inland Empire Annual Survey found that San Bernardino and Los Angeles County residents spend a mean of 38 miles and 62 minutes commuting round trip to work per day, averaging a yearly cost of $11,138. Specifically, Torres said the legislation could provide:
• A $100 million increase for National Infrastructure Investments (TIGER/BUILD), for a total of $1 billion, which could be used to fund projects like the City of Fontana's #BUILDFontana project. This could help build new roads, sidewalks, and bike paths to provide more than 3,500 students with safe routes to school, and create hundreds of construction jobs and 2,500 permanent jobs when completed.
• $178.8 million in additional highways and transit funds for California to increase road and rail safety.
• $15 million for transit-oriented development (TOD) planning funding to help address urban sprawl and overwhelming traffic problems, which could be used to plan economic development at stations throughout the Foothill Gold Line extension's Glendora to Montclair transit corridor.
• $12 million for the Regional Infrastructure Accelerator (RIA) Program, which could help attract outside financing for local and state governments when the technical assistance and funding to get projects off the ground.
• Support to recipients of federal funding to ensure communication with public and private utility providers when planning transportation projects.
"As a long-time resident of the Inland Empire, I know that you can't step foot outside your door without seeing the need for better transportation infrastructure. That's what makes this year's transportation funding bill such a critical investment in families who spend countless hours and thousands of dollars commuting on our region's crumbling roadways," said Torres. "I was proud to work with my colleagues on the Appropriations Committee to deliver much-needed relief and federal funding to rebuild our roadways and advance important transportation projects, like the Foothill Gold Line extension, to cut down on traffic congestion and commuting costs, increase safety, and improve our air quality. This bill ensures that the 35th Congressional District can continue to be a job creator and economic engine for California."