Washington, D.C. Congresswoman Jane Harman (D-Venice), hailed passage today of an omnibus appropriations bill (H.R. 3288) that includes nearly $3 million in funding for projects in the South Bay.  The bill, which passed by a 221 to 202 vote, will help improve public transportation, expand social services and boost public safety in the 36th Congressional District.

“Investment in infrastructure is a good use of federal resources,” said Harman, “especially access to public transportation and social services, given the current economic climate.  The South Bay’s social safety net faces increased strain, and I’m relieved these essential functions will be able to expand to meet the growing demand.”

H.R. 3288, which still must pass the Senate, combines multiple appropriations bills, including Commerce, Justice and Science; Labor, Health and Human Services and Education; and Transportation, Housing and Urban Development.  Harman advocated funds for projects in the 36th District, which are included in the bill:
 

• $800,000 to advance the South Bay Intermodal Transit Centers Project which will improve the efficiency and scope of public transportation in the South Bay by creating jointly planned transportation centers in Torrance and Redondo Beach. 
• $800,000 to expand the scope of existing adolescent substance abuse treatment, mental health care and counseling services at Phoenix House of Los Angeles.
• $500,000 to help replace the seismically deficient Commodore Heim Bridge over Cerritos Channel as part of the SR-47 Expressway project to reduce traffic around warehouses and rail loading facilities.
• $370,000 to Chabad of the South Bay to create a social service referral center to aid youth and families in crisis to obtain necessary health and life skills in order to find, keep, or improve their employment and productivity.
• $300,000 to YWCA of the Harbor Area and South Bay to expand subsidized and free all-day pre-school and pre-kindergarten classes for low income families in and around the San Pedro area.
• $200,000 to relocate the Redondo Beach Emergency Operations Center to a seismically sound location and upgrade Redondo’s emergency communications capacity.