Bill Would Fund Solano Transportation Projects

Bill Would Fund Solano Transportation Projects
By Reporter Staff

The U.S. House of Representatives on Friday passed legislation with important funding for Solano County transportation projects.

The identical measure is expected to be passed by the Senate and signed by the President, said Congressman George Miller, D-Solano.

Miller had sought the funding approved in Friday's bill.

"Transportation improvements are critical to economic growth and quality of life in our community and I am pleased Congress is able to provide funding for several important projects in our area," said Miller.

Included in the bill:

• $800,000 for the Nut Tree Airport. The requested funding would finance improved airport access, sealing of hanger taxi landings, and improvements to the parking aprons at the regional airport.

• $850,000 for the Vallejo Baylink Ferry. The funds will help complete construction of 1,200 off-street parking spaces for passengers, a relocated and improved bus transfer facility, roadway access improvements, and bicycle and pedestrian connections between the Vallejo downtown and the waterfront area. The Baylink Ferry serves almost 1 million riders annually.

• $500,000 for a Fairfield-Vacaville Intermodal Station (requested with Rep. Ellen Tauscher, D-Solano).

The station is a high priority in order to accommodate the planned 16 daily round trips through the San Jose-Oakland/San Francisco-Auburn corridor.