Congresswoman Matsui Secures Funding for Sacramento’s Transportation and Housing Priorities
WASHINGTON, DC – July 30, 2010 – (RealEstateRama) — Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-Sacramento) announced that the fiscal year 2011 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) Appropriations Bill, which was approved by the House of Representatives Thursday, includes over $1 million in funding secured by Rep. Matsui for important local transportation and housing development initiatives. Beneficiaries include the County of Sacramento, the City of Sacramento, and My Sister’s House domestic violence shelter. “The appropriations bill passed by the House will invest significantly in our nation’s infrastructure while also spurring our country’s economic growth,” stated Congresswoman Matsui. “New jobs will be created by this legislation by making our roads safer and our public transit more secure.”
Two important Sacramento transportation projects will receive funding through this appropriations bill. $400,000 will be allocated to the County of Sacramento’s Department of Transportation for use on the Highway 50/Watt Avenue Interchange. This project will modify the Highway 50/Watt Avenue freeway interchange to improve safety and mobility. These funds will be used to install the initial segment of a bus rapid transit system on Watt Avenue linking residential communities with the region’s light rail system and the jobs centers of downtown Sacramento, and Rancho Cordova and Folsom.
According to Mike Penrose, Director of the Sacramento County Department of Transportation, “The Watt Avenue at US 50 Interchange project will provide multi-modal improvements along one of the region’s most critical transportation corridors. This existing interchange will be modified to reduce congestion, increase safety, improve access for bicycles and pedestrians and install dedicated transit facilities – all roadway users will benefit. Appropriations bill funding will help us move forward with planning for an anticipated 2012 project start-up.”
Additionally, the City of Sacramento will receive $500,000 for the Sacramento Intermodal Station. This project will create gateway access for vehicles, pedestrians and bicyclists to the historic Sacramento Valley Station, which is being updated as an intermodal transportation facility to accommodate Amtrak and Capitol Corridor rail service, light rail and local and regional bus services.
“The Sacramento Transportation Intermodal Facility is the Sacramento region’s number one transportation priority and continues to move forward in large part because of the terrific support from our State and Federal partners like Congresswoman Doris Matsui,” said Jerry Way, Director of Transportation for the City of Sacramento. “In the years to come, over 8 million travelers per year will utilize this truly remarkable multi-modal historic treasure.”
In addition to the funding for these two vital transportation projects, My Sister’s House domestic violence shelter will receive $250,000 to renovate a six bed transitional house. My Sister’s House is an organization dedicated to providing shelter and assistance for battered women and children.
Executive Director Nilda Valmores responded to the news of the funding by saying, “My Sister’s House is so thankful for the leadership of Congresswoman Matsui and her commitment to supporting women affected by domestic violence, particularly those that may be facing language and cultural issues. The women we help, like other victims of domestic violence, need assistance with housing to transition to becoming productive and contributing members of our community.”
CONTACT:
MARA LEE
(202) 225-7163
