WASHINGTON, DC – Earlier today Congress passed the Transportation Equity Act, a bill that includes over $3.3 million for several important local efforts to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion in Glendale and Burbank:
• $376,000 to purchase compressed natural gas buses which will expand service throughout Burbank. The new service will connect two regional rail lines to Downtown and to the Bob Hope Airport.
• $800,000 to fund the feasibility and design of a rail crossing grade separation at Vanowen, just west of Clybourn and Empire Avenue. This project will improve both rail safety and congestion at this intersection.
• $640,000 to construct cul de sacs where Chevy Chase Drive meets the railroad tracks. This will improve safety for motorists and Metrolink riders by preventing vehicular access to the tracks. This is the place where a car accessed the tracks on January 26, leading to a deadly Metrolink crash.
• $310,400 to rehabilitate Adams Street including the construction of wheelchair ramps, tree replacement, and the addition of catch basins to protect our waterways.
• $836,000 million to fund a downtown streetcar project. This trolley system will bring congestion relief by providing a public transportation option for residents, visitors and employees downtown.
• $386,232 to purchase new clean natural gas buses for the Glendale Beeline Transit System.
“I’m pleased so many of my requests for important transportation improvements will receive federal help,” said Schiff. “Improving traffic flow and reducing congestion and pollution in our community is a top priority.”
Congressman Schiff has introduced a "Kids First" agenda of initiatives to improve education, safety, and health care for our children. He is the co-founder of the Democratic Study Group on National Security and a member of both the House Judiciary and International Relations committees. He represents California’s 29th Congressional District, which includes the communities of Alhambra, Altadena, Burbank, East Pasadena, East San Gabriel, Glendale, Monterey Park, Pasadena, San Gabriel, South Pasadena and Temple City.
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