April 02, 2018

Torres Pushes for Improvements in Local Infrastructure

WASHINGTON, DC – In several letters to the House Committee on Appropriations, Rep. Norma J. Torres (D-CA) called for robust funding for regional transportation planning and transit oriented development. Last year, the House of Representatives unanimously approved two amendments introduced by Torres to increase funding for infrastructure and transit programs. The first amendment provided $12 million for the Regional Infrastructure Accelerator Demonstration (RIA) Program, which Torres passed into law as part of the 2015 FAST Act. The second amendment directed $10 million to planning for Transit Oriented Development.

Specifically, Torres requested funding for:

  • The U.S. Department of Transportation to carry out the Transit Oriented Development pilot program, which assists communities with transit planning that connects housing, jobs, and mixed use development.
  • The RIA Program, which helps local governments improve infrastructure through alternative financing methods.
  • The Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) program, which supports job creation through investment in large local transportation projects.
  • The Transit Security Grant Program, which is administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and provides grants to make security improvements to transit.
  • The Federal Transit Administration's Capital Investment Grants (CIG) Program, which is critical to communities with transit projects that are currently underway.
  • The Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund, which ensures that our nation's ports can keep pace with the commerce from the Inland Empire.

"As more people are priced out of Los Angeles and move into the Inland Empire, it's critical that residents have reliable transportation options," said Torres. "The federal government is a key partner in developing innovative solutions for improving our roads, bridges, airports, and maritime ports. These transportation improvements support job creation in our communities. That's what makes investing in these public transportation programs so important. They're an investment in a safer, more competitive future for Southern California."

Torres is the Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Budget Task Force and a co-chair of the New Democrat Coalition 21st Century Infrastructure Task Force.