WHO:
U.S. Representative Lynn Woolsey Gov. Michael Dukakis

Former Vice Chair Amtrak Reform Board Robert Jehn

Chair of Sonoma Marin Area Rail Transit Al Boro

Vice-Chair, Sonoma Marin Area Rail Transit WHAT:
Town Hall Meeting to discuss the need
for a multi-modal solution to relieve
traffic in the North Bay.

WHERE:
Marin County Civic Center
Board of Supervisors Chambers
3501 Civic Center Drive
San Rafael

WHEN:
Monday, March 28th at 10:00 AM

SAN RAFAEL, CA -- U.S. Representative Lynn Woolsey (D-Petaluma) today hosted an event in Marin County to discuss “The Sonoma Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART) project is a key element in our comprehensive approach to relieve congestion on Highway 101,” said Rep. Woolsey. “This multi-modal approach to reducing traffic congestion includes rail, highway, ferry, bus, bike and pedestrian. “SMART,” a 75-mile commuter rail corridor serving North Bay residents that runs parallel to Highway 101, “will reduce traffic on Highway 101 by carrying a projected 5,000 riders per day,” said Woolsey.

Earlier this month, Congresswoman Woolsey secured $16 million toward traffic relief projects including $15 million for the Novato Narrows, $500,000 for natural gas buses and $500,000 for bicycle and pedestrian routes. She also ensured that SMART is eligible for “New Starts” funding for planning, engineering and eventually construction. These funds were approved in the U.S. House version of the six year federal surface transportation reauthorization, the “Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users” (TEA-LU).

“The expansion of the Novato Narrows has been a top Highway 101 priority for both Marin and Sonoma Counties, but the answer to reducing congestion doesn’t stop at road expansion,” said Woolsey. “We must also reduce the number of cars on the roads by promoting environmentally friendly transportation alternatives.”