Sherman Wins Funding for San Fernando Valley Projects

Washington, D.C. - The House on Friday approved nearly $1 million for transportation and economic development projects in the San Fernando Valley, Congressman Brad Sherman announced.

He said legislation that won final House approval includes $500,000 for a low-emission hybrid shuttle bus demonstration project at the Burbank Airport. The project will evaluate the feasibility of converting the airports fleet of diesel buses to low-emission hybrid vehicles. The shuttle fleet ferries passengers between the airport parking lots and the terminal. œThis is one more step toward keeping California on the cutting edge of the drive to cut air pollution, Sherman said.

Another $200,000 was set aside for a project to relieve congestion at the intersection of Burbank and Sepulveda Boulevards, one of the most widely-used intersections in the San Fernando Valley. The intersection includes ramps that carry traffic on and off the 405 Freeway.

The measure also earmarked $200,000 in seed money for the Valley Alliance for the Arts, which seeks to build a new performing arts center. The center has launched a drive to raise $80 million to create a premier venue for musical performances by local, national and world-renowned artists. The planners envision an 1,800-seat concert hall for symphonies, popular and jazz concerts, ballet, Broadway-style musicals, Las Vegas-style shows and other performances. There also would be space for exhibits, and a 500-seat childrens center. A performing arts center could serve a potential audience of 2.5 million patrons from the Valley and other parts of Los Angeles and surrounding areas.