Bill Includes Funding for Inland Transportation, Community Projects

Washington, DC –  Congressman Joe Baca (D-Rialto) today joined a bipartisan majority in the House of Representatives to support conference report legislation that will keep our transportation system strong and help to ensure adequate housing for all Americans.  The conference report for H.R. 3074, The Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations for FY 2008, was approved by a 270 - 147 vote.

The bill includes two project funding requests made by Rep. Baca for transportation and community upkeep in the 43rd Congressional District: $1,000,000 for the construction of the San Bernardino County I-10 Pepper Avenue Interchange Project, and $200,000 to the San Bernardino Boys and Girls Club for renovation and enhancements to the Delman Heights Community Center. 

“The assistance in this bill benefits the quality of life for Inland residents,” said Rep. Baca.  “The new I-10 Pepper Avenue Interchange will reduce congestion for employees and patients of the Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, and also improve the movement of goods through San Bernardino.”

The bill approved by Congress today strengthens America’s transportation infrastructure by investing $40 billion in the nation’s highway system for construction of new roads, repairs and improvements.  The bill also adds $1 billion to help fix deficient bridges across America, and invests $3.5 billion in airport efficiency, modernization and safety grants. 

The Conference Report also provides much needed funding to essential housing programs.  The bill passed by the House today includes:

•    $6.4 billion for project-based Section 8 housing assistance;
•    $4.2 billion in operating assistance funds to public housing programs; and
•    $200 million through the Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporations for grants to provide mortgage       foreclosure assistance to states and areas with high rates of defaults and foreclosures. 

“After years of neglect from the President and the Republican Congress, Democrats are lending a helping hand to the most vulnerable in our nation,” said Rep. Baca.   “The bill passed by Congress today funds critical transportation and housing programs, while also restoring millions of dollars in damaging cuts made by President Bush.”