Van Nuys, CA  - Representative Howard L. Berman (D-CA) announced today that Congress has approved his request to fund the following projects earmarked in the surface transportation

reauthorization bill. The following projects in the 28th Congressional District were included in the 

surface transportation reauthorization bill:

$5.2 Million - Hansen Dam Recreation Area Road Improvements -  to widen road,  construct a new parking facility and a bike path within the Recreation Area and install a retaining wall to trim back and control the falling debris from an adjacent hill on Osborne street.  Berman stated, “For many years improving the Hansen Dam Recreation has been one of my top priorities. This funding will help improve access and safety to the area.”

$2.54 Million - City of San Fernando Local Transit System – a compressed natural gas (CNG) fuel-based public transit system with both on-call and fixed routes primarily serving the City of San Fernando. Funds will be used to purchase CNG trolleys and the construction of a CNG fueling station.  Berman explained, “The San Fernando City Council asked for my help with this project, and I was thrilled to oblige.  The environmentally friendly trolleys will both help preserve San Fernando’s historic character and improve access for its residents.”

$2.5  Million - San Fernando Valley Metro Orange Line - to install permanent irrigation systems and enhance the landscaping on the San Fernando Valley rapid bus transit way.  Berman said, “The Valley Village Homeowners first came to me because of their concerns about the aesthetic impact of the new Orange line in their neighborhood.  This money will help ensure that every community along the Orange line has beautiful landscaping for which they can be proud.”

$960,000 – North Hollywood Area – to enhance pedestrian mobility and the appearance of Laurel Canyon between Oxnard St. and Kittridge St., and along Victory Blvd. between Laurel Canyon and the 170 freeway. Berman explained, “With smart crosswalks, street furniture, street trees, sidewalk enhancement and pedestrian lighting, this area will literally be transformed and revitalized.”

$960,000 – Children’s Museum of Los Angeles – to construct a bus turnaround facility, “I was proud to bring help bring the Children’s Museum out to Hansen Dam and I continue to do all I can to help insure its funding,” explained Berman.

$848,000 – Sylmar Area – to widen roadway, construct sidewalks and other safety enhancements on San Fernando North from Astoria Street to Sayre Street in Sylmar. Berman stated, “For far too long this roadway has been unsafe and in desperate need of repair. The families and schoolchildren who rely on this road deserve better.”