Fontana gets more federal money for 10 Freeway overpass
By Josh Dulaney
Contra Costa Times (California)
November 29, 2008
FONTANA - Despite a brief war of words this year, city and federal officials have teamed up to bring in more federal money for construction of the Cypress Avenue overpass at the 10 Freeway.
"This funding will benefit the quality of life for Inland residents and help to ensure our continued economic viability," Rep. Joe Baca said in a statement. Baca, D-San Bernardino, previously had publicly criticized cities' use of such money.
It is unknown when construction of the overpass will begin.
The original earmark requests submitted by Baca were for right-of-way acquisition assistance to the city and were included in the Department of Transportation's appropriations for fiscal years 2003, 2005 and 2006. But Baca this year petitioned the Federal Highway Administration on behalf of the city to transfer that money for building of the Cypress overpass instead.
City officials also have lobbied in Washington, D.C., for transportation money and have worked with Caltrans and San Bernardino Associated Governments to help bring in the money.
In October, Baca said local governments have squandered earmarks for transportation.
The remarks came after Fontana Mayor Mark Nuaimi wrote a letter to The Sun in July saying Baca didn't take an active role in a transportation summit held with Upland Mayor John Pomierski and Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash.
But in a letter to Baca this month, Nuaimi thanked the congressman for his help.
"I appreciate your time and effort in securing these funds for this much needed project," Nuaimi wrote. "Again, thank you and I appreciate your commitment to represent the interests of your constituents both in Fontana and throughout the district."
Nuaimi said Wednesday said without Baca's help in transferring the earmarks, the project would've lost out on more than $1 million.
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$9,702,931,518,960.00
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$31,684.39 Per Citizen |
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