Transportation
I believe an effective and economical infrastructure is imperative to the growth of America’s economy. The difficulties facing our transportation system are significant taking into account our present financial challenges. However, I believe it is achievable to develop a system in which we can efficiently improve rural and urban transportation passageways across the United States by making careful and effective choices regarding how our limited funding is spent. Essentially, we need to fix our current system in order to more resourcefully meet the changing transportation needs in our country.
I also believe that we need to strongly consider the funds we allocate to federal transportation in the 113th Congress and encourage a shift that allows states to have greater responsibility to focus on local transportation issues. This way, Congress will have the opportunity to change the program to a more cost-effective system and eliminate the wasteful spending on programs that clutter the system. This way, states can use the allocated funds in a more resourceful manner to meet their own priorities, not those determined in Washington.
For these reasons, I have previously opposed California’s high-speed rail project. I am concerned that this a poor investment for the American people considering the tens of billions in capital costs, the government subsidies necessary to cover operating expenses and maintain the lines, and unproven benefits. The unfortunate reality is that both the state and federal government have significant budget problems. Our economy cannot afford the funding requirements and long term costs the high speed railroad would entail.
As a member of Congress, I will support advancing reasonable and economically smart legislation that will better our current transportation system while simultaneously reducing ineffective government regulations.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Thank you.
More on Transportation
On Tuesday, the California High-Speed rail project will finally start construction of the route, when crews will start building the viaduct allowing the train to cross the Fresno River, Highway 145 and Raymond Road near Madera. The construction will start three years after the date initially estimated by the rail authority.
The rail line faces formidable challenges as it looks to the future, whether financial, political, or legal.
Oroville, CA - Representative Doug LaMalfa (R-CA) and Rep. Jeff Denham (R-CA) tonight passed an amendment prohibiting any further federal funding of California’s high speed rail proposal, which is opposed by most Californian voters. The measure specifically prohibits so-called “tapered matching”, in which the state spends federal funds without concurrently providing the required state matching funds.
It’s been a long road, but the effort to upgrade the Butte Creek Bridge over Doe Mill Road is finally complete.
The bridge has been open for a couple of weeks, but the Bureau of Land Management hosted its official dedication ceremony Friday morning. The Department of Transportation’s Orrin Lee said funding for the project was a big hurdle, as was the confusion of who owned the bridge.
WASHINGTON
Congressional Republicans and Democrats are working together to reach a rapid resolution of a labor dispute that’s clogging West Coast ports.
With crop exports from regions like the Pacific Northwest and California’s Central Valley particularly at risk, more than a dozen lawmakers united Thursday in support of port peace. If nothing else, the rare show of bipartisanship underscored the enduring importance of maritime trade.