Working for Better Transportation

As your Congresswoman, I have made it a goal to improve the transportation infrastructure and surrounding air quality of roads and highways in the 38th Congressional District.

  • Improving California's Infrastructure - In order to secure congestion relief through infrastructure improvements on California’s roads and highways, I voted in favor of “The Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users” (TEA-LU), (H.R. 3550) on July 29, 2005, which will bring much needed funding to California for many highways, highway safety programs, and public transit programs. Specific road improvements in our area include:
    $1.7 million for construction and improvement of Imperial Highway
    $3 million to repair and improve Long Beach Boulevard in Lynwood
    $1.7 million to reconstruct Whittier Boulevard in Whittier
    $3.2 million to repair and improve Atlantic Avenue in South Gate
    $3 million to reconstruct Paramount Boulevard in Lakewood
  • Reducing Congestion On California's Freeways - Because of the high volume of automobiles on freeways, I am concerned about the surrounding air quality and its effects on the citizens of the 38th District. That’s why I secured $250,000 for the Gateway Cities Council of Government’s (GCOG) Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) program. The funding will be used to study congestion and emissions problems on key highways in Southeast LA County, of which a large portion is aimed at the I-710.
  • Working to Improve California's Air Quality - I also secured $3.25 million for the GCOG Diesel Emissions Program, designed to phase-out pre-1984 diesel engines, and replace them with more fuel-efficient and cleaner burning engines. In addition, the GCOG will look into the possible use of alternative fuel sources such as bio-diesel fuel.
  • Replacing worn-out buses - I secured $850,000 for the Cerritos on Wheels Clean Air Bus Program. For too long, Cerritos was leasing older, diesel buses. With the new federal funding, Cerritos was able to finally purchase new buses that were cleaner and carried nearly double the number of passengers.