Amador County’s transportation network might be getting a boost thanks to the work of Third District Representative Dan Lungren. As part of the text of a new bill, Lungren introduced funding for projects that could potentially bring $1.5 million to help service Amador County’s roadways.

According to a memorandum authored by David French of ENS Resources, Amador County’s lobbyist in Washington, a $1 million authorization for the Regional Transit Center Project in Sutter Creek and $500,000 for the Pine Grove Project on Highway 88 were written into the bill by congressman Lungren.

The projects were introduced as part of HR 3, a bill that cleared the House of Representatives on March 10 by a wide margin of 417-9. As a whole, the bill authorizes $225.5 billion for federal highway programs, $52.3 billion for federal transit programs and $6.1 billion for safety programs.

Amador County Administrative Officer Patrick Blacklock told the board of supervisors last Tuesday that lobbying efforts are already underway to ensure the bill clears the senate process.

“French is working with (California senators) Diane Feinstein and Barbara Boxer to get approval on the senate side,” said Blacklock.

In addition, Blacklock reported that Lungren is working on securing funds for a virtual learning center in Amador County. The center, which would consist of computers linked to high-speed Internet as well as a support staff, would come as a partnership with Cosumnes River College.

“Congressman Lungren has been all over the place on this thing,” said Board Chairman Richard Forster. “His staff has been very supportive.”

Forster also indicated that Lungren’s chief of staff will be visiting the proposed building sites sometime next month.

To recognize Lungren’s efforts, the board will draft a letter thanking the congressman for his efforts.