November 14, 2007
Today, Rep. Doris Matsui (CA-05) announced that the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Bill for Fiscal Year 2008 (H.R. 3074) passed the U.S. House of Representatives. The bill includes funding secured by Rep. Matsui for key Sacramento region transportation and economic development initiatives that will invest in the Sacramento community.
Thanks to Rep. Matsui, the Intermodal Rail Relocation Project will receive $400,000. These funds will be used in the track relocation project, which is a key component of the downtown railyard redevelopment project.
The Regional Transit (RT) South Sacramento Corridor Phase II Light Rail extension project will receive $4.5 million to extend Light Rail service to Consumnes River College. Currently, the Light Rail line terminates at Meadowview Road. This project will improve transit options and reduce congestion on Sacramento’s roads by extending the South Line and adding four new light rail stations south of Meadowview Road.
"We are extremely thankful to Congresswoman Matsui for all her hard work securing funds for the light rail extension to Cosumnes River College. Because of the Congresswoman's continued leadership, we will continue to work closely with our partners, the City of Sacramento, Cosumnes River College, the Los Rios School District, property owners and developers in the project area to bring this project into final design next year," said Mike Wiley, RT Interim General Manager.
"Sacramento is a leader in the clean energy movement, and I am proud to partner with our local entities to bring federal funding to this important initiative. I look forward to further progress of our Light Rail System, which will continue to be a shining example for the rest of the country of what can be done when local and federal governments partner together for the betterment of a community," said Rep. Matsui.
Due to Rep. Matsui’s efforts, three projects to benefit the community will also receive funding. The White Rock Community Park Center in Rancho Cordova will receive $150,000 to renovate the community center and its surrounding facilities. The Sacramento Food bank and Family Services Center will receive $350,000 to construct a new food bank in North Sacramento. Also under the conference report, Stanford Settlement, Inc. will be granted $200,000 to construct a new teen center facility, the Carl R. Hansen Teen Center, for at-risk youth in Sacramento.
"Making investments now into our communities is a key step in spurring economic growth and progress in the Sacramento region. By taking the initiative now to invest in these centers, we are paving the way for our community to be even better for future generations," said Rep. Matsui.
"This bill is timely and critical in preserving our community. As the Senate prepares to vote on the conference report and it makes its way to the President’s desk, I call on all of my colleagues to preserve the funding and make good on our responsibility as representatives of the people," said Rep. Matsui.
H.R. 3074 makes critical investments in our communities and addresses current challenges we face, including:
· Support for our veterans: $75 million is designated for vouchers to homeless veterans through the HUD-VASH (Veterans Administration Supportive Housing) program, supporting approximately 7,500 of our homeless veterans in safe, affordable, and permanent housing.
· Support for our seniors Housing for the Elderly: $735 million for the acquisition, rehabilitation or construction of housing for low-income elderly people. Across the country, ten eligible seniors are on the affordable housing waiting list for every one unit of housing available.
Protecting our Children: $145 million, $29 million over the President’s budget request, to protect children against hazards such as lead paint and mold.
Investing in our Community Development: $3.79 billion, $100 million above 2007, to fund community and economic development projects in 1,180 localities.
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