$1.45 million

[Washington, D.C.] " Congressman Brad Sherman announced today that his ongoing efforts to improve transportation in the Valley were earning dividends as the House of Representatives passed the Transportation, Treasury, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2004. The legislation contained a combined $1.45 million in federal funds for Valley transportation projects that Sherman supported.

"The Valley is ranked as one of the most heavily congested areas in the country and the lack of public transit options contributes to the congestion and pollution which plague Los Angeles County," said Sherman. "I will continue to fight to ensure that the federal government does not turn a blind eye to our transportation challenges, and gives us the financial support we need."

Federal funds totaling $1,000,000 are slated for construction for the Empire Area Transit Center, a transit hub near the Burbank/Pasadena/Glendale airport, which would be a convenient central location for both air travelers and ground commuters.

Shermans colleague, Adam Schiff also supported this funding request.

The House also approved $450,000 in federal funds for a Reseda Boulevard Bus Rapid Transit route, which would provide needed north-south Bus Rapid Transit service along Reseda Blvd.

and connect to Northeast and Western portions of the Valley through California State University, Northridge " a transit connection which does not currently exist. This expansion would serve the Veterans Administration Hospital on Plummer Street and the Sylmar/San Fernando Metrolink Station.

Sherman is working with Californias U.S. Senators to ensure that the Senate bill also funds these two projects. The Senate is set to consider this bill later in the month and the Senate and House bills should be reconciled by a Conference Committee this fall.