FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 1, 2021
House-passed bill also includes Barragan’s Outdoors for All Act
Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Nanette Diaz Barragán applauded House passage of the Investing in a New Vision for the Environment and Surface Transportation in America (INVEST in America) Act, which includes funding for 10 transportation projects in her Los Angeles County district.
The INVEST in America Act also includes Congresswoman Barragán’s Outdoors for All Act, a bipartisan bill that would authorize the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program, which expands outdoor recreational opportunities in urban and low-income cities, across the nation.
Congresswoman Barragán fought to ensure local transportation projects were included in the INVEST in America Act. The bill makes transformational investments in America’s highways, roads, bridges, transit, rail, and water infrastructure to create jobs, modernize infrastructure and reduce carbon pollution. This legislation moves forward some of the key pieces of President Biden’s infrastructure plan.
“The people of Los Angeles County deserve safe and modern infrastructure that will also reduce the dangerous air pollution that damages public health in our region. I was proud to go to bat for my constituents to make sure the INVEST in America Act includes some of our local transportation and infrastructure priorities, and also expands outdoor recreational opportunities for people in traditionally underserved communities,” Congresswoman Barragán said.
“It’s time to build back better, reconnect communities, and restore our global competitiveness with the INVEST in America Act, legislation that will help create millions of good-paying jobs and support U.S. manufacturing. Critically, this legislation will also advance zero-emissions technology in the transportation sector by providing historic investments in transit, rail, electric vehicle charging, and alternative modes of transportation – including the projects I requested in Los Angeles County. With this bill, we are on the right track to create economic opportunity for all in the 21st century and beyond,” Congresswoman Barragán added.
Below is a list of the local transportation projects in California’s 44th Congressional District that were requested by Congresswoman Barragán and are included in the INVEST Act.
Zero Emission Buses and Charging Infrastructure ($5 million)
Purchasing 14 battery-electric buses and installing two charging stations to replace compressed natural gas vehicles on LA Metro routes serving Wilmington, San Pedro, and the surrounding communities.
Garfield Avenue Complete Streets ($1.5 million)
Enhances active transportation in South Gate through constructing new bicycle lanes and pedestrian safety improvements to increase accessibility Hollydale Regional Park and the Los Angeles River-Rio Hondo Confluence.
Artesia Great Boulevard ($8 million)
Complete street rehabilitation on Artesia Boulevard in North Long Beach, includes constructing new bicycle lanes, adaptive traffic control system elements, and pedestrian infrastructure enhancements.
Electric Vehicle Car Share Program ($120,650)
Building upon the EV car share pilot at Rancho San Pedro by purchasing two additional vehicles, upgrading the charging infrastructure, and extending the program for an additional year.
Wilmington Waterfront-Avalon Pedestrian Bridge ($1 million)
Constructing a bridge over an existing train track to provide safe access for pedestrians and cyclists between the Wilmington Waterfront and the commercial corridor of Avalon Boulevard.
West Santa Ana Branch ($5 million)
Developing a new light rail transit line that will connect the residents of South Gate and surrounding communities of Southeast Los Angeles County with Downtown Los Angeles and other major transit lines.
Walnut Park Pedestrian Plan Implementation ($1.2 million)
Providing safer pedestrian infrastructure, such as curb extensions and high visibility crosswalks, along Pacific Avenue in Walnut Park, a corridor which experiences a high rate of traffic-related pedestrian fatalities.
ADA Curb-Ramps and Sidewalk Improvements ($1.45 million)
Increasing pedestrian safety and accessibility for residents of all abilities by upgrading sidewalks and curb-ramps in North Long Beach.
Highways to Boulevards Study ($480,000)
The Southern California Association of Governments will study several major corridors, including the I-710, I-110, I-405, SR-91, and Pacific Coast Highway to identify opportunities for converting highways into multi-modal corridors to better serve the community.
Walnut Park Bus Stop Improvements ($1.2 million)
Installing solar-powered bus stop shelters, new bus benches, and improving sidewalks at bus stops in Walnut Park.
The INVEST in America Act must now be passed by the U.S. Senate and then signed by President Biden before it becomes law.
Read more on how the INVEST in America Act would:
- Create Jobs and Restore Our Global Competitiveness
- Invest in Underserved, Low-Income, and Rural Communities
- Tackle Climate Change
- Increase Safety and Support Alternative Transportation
Additional Resources on the INVEST in America Act:
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Nanette Diaz Barragán is proud to represent California’s 44th Congressional District, which includes the communities of Carson, Compton, Florence-Firestone, Lynwood, North Long Beach, Rancho Dominguez, San Pedro, South Gate, Walnut Park, Watts, Willowbrook and Wilmington. She serves as chairwoman of the House Homeland Security Committee’s Subcommittee on Border Security.