SHERMAN SECURES $90,000 FOR VAN NUYS SENIOR CENTER

[Washington, D.C.] – Congressman Brad Sherman announced today that the House of Representatives passed $500,000 for a ‘Park and Ride’ facility in Tarzana. The most likely site for the Park and Ride facility will be at Oxnard Blvd. and Reseda Blvd. adjacent to the East-West Valley Transitway.

Sherman’s request was included in the Omnibus Appropriations bill, which will determine federal spending for the remainder of the fiscal year, which ends September 30, 2003.

"This bill is certain to be passed by the Senate and signed by the President within days," said Sherman, "so we will get these funds. The new Park and Ride in Tarzana that these funds finance will help Valley commuters take advantage of the East-West Valley Transitway and alleviate the congestion."

Since it began in June 2000, Metro Rapid Bus has proved extremely successful, reducing travel times by 23% and increasing ridership by 38% – with 1/3 of this ridership attributable to commuters who previously were not riding the bus. The parking facilities included in the bill will help increase commuter ridership for those who reside in the West Valley area and travel daily to Universal City, Hollywood, and downtown Los Angeles.