WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today Congresswoman Lois Capps announced the approval of $500,000 for a Ventura County transportation project as part of  the Fiscal Year 2008 Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development Appropriations bill (H.R. 3074) passed by the U.S. House of Representatives earlier today by a vote of 270 to 147.  The legislation is expected to be approved by the Senate later this week, and then sent to the President.  The Administration said today that the President intends to veto the bill.

At the request of Congresswoman Capps, the bill includes $500,000 in funding for the Rice Avenue Interchange at U.S. Highway 101 in Ventura County. 

“This is good news for Ventura County residents and businesses” said Capps.  “This funding continues the ongoing efforts to improve the Rice Avenue Interchange, which will help alleviate traffic congestion, improve the region's air quality, and allow the free flow of trucks serving the Port of Hueneme.”

The Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development Appropriations makes many critical domestic investments, including: $40 billion for the nation’s highway system for construction of new roads, repairs and improvements; $1 billion to address deficient bridges across America; funding to renew all current housing vouchers, and provide 15,500 new vouchers for veterans, the disabled, and low income families; a 500 percent increase in funds to alleviate problems caused by the sub-prime mortgage crisis, providing housing counseling to help homeowners stay in their homes; $3.5 billion for airport efficiency, modernization and safety grants; $1.45 billion for Amtrak; and over $85 million to improve pipeline and rail safety.

“The Transportation and Housing Appropriations bill is another measure that responsibly funds America’s domestic priorities,” continued Capps.  “Unfortunately, yesterday President Bush sent a clear message when he vetoed the Labor, HHS, and Education Appropriations bill that critical funding for health care, education, and job training spending were not among his top priorities.  While the President’s rejection of these important priorities is unfortunate, my colleagues and I in the Democratic-led Congress will continue our efforts to ensure that the American peoples’ priorities receive the funding they need.  I hope that President Bush will reconsider his ill-advised vetoes and approve this much needed funding to meet America's transportation and housing needs.”

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Pictured above: (center) Congresswoman Capps meets with Central Coast firefighters to discuss emergency preparedness.