Rep. Mike Garcia Secures $20 Million for CA25 in Transportation Bill

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative Mike Garcia (CA-25) announced he has secured $20 million in federal funding for transportation and infrastructure projects in California’s 25th District. The funding is included in the current version of the House’s surface transportation reauthorization bill, which is still subject to change and must pass the House and Senate before heading to the President’s Desk.

“I am pleased I was able to secure $20 million in infrastructure improvements for California’s 25th District,” said Garcia. “While the legislation is still moving through the legislative process and is subject to change, I am glad California’s 25th District was prioritized in the current version. This funding would support the increasing of capacity at Rancho Vista Boulevard in Palmdale, upgrade a rail crossing at Sequoia Avenue in Simi Valley, support construction of a bridge extending Commerce Center Drive across the Santa Clara River to Santa Clarita and unincorporated Los Angeles County, and fund needed traffic improvements throughout the city of Santa Clarita. I look forward to continuing to advocate for the needs of California’s 25th District in Congress and ensuring our community receives the federal support necessary to continue to prosper.”

Currently, legislation includes funding for the following projects in California’s 25th District:

$8.6 million for Plant 42 Access and Safety Enhancements

The funding will support enhanced traffic operations and reduce existing traffic on Rancho Vista Blvd.

$4 million for the Sequoia Avenue Railroad Grade Crossing Upgrade

The funding will support safety enhancements at a railroad crossing at Sequoia Avenue in Simi Valley.

$3.6 million for the Commerce Center Drive Bridge

The funding will support construction of a bridge extending Commerce Center Drive across the Santa Clara River to Santa Clarita and unincorporated Los Angeles County.

$3.6 million for the Quick Fix Circulation Improvement Project

The funding will support the modification of existing medians, striping, and asphalt throughout the city of Santa Clarita.

Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger shared a quote on the $16 million in funding secured for Los Angeles County:

“The Commerce Center Bridge in unincorporated Santa Clarita Valley, Plant 42 Access and Safety Enhancements in Palmdale, and Quick Fix Circulation Improvement Projects in Santa Clarita included in the House’s Surface Transportation Reauthorization bill– are important pieces to improve mobility, safety, and efficiency, and will help unlock access to economic, employment, and housing opportunities in North Los Angeles County,” said L.A. County Supervisor Kathryn Barger. “I want to thank Congressman Garcia for his efforts to ensure funding for the region was included in this bill.”

Santa Clarita Councilwoman Marsha McLean shared a quote on the $16 million in funding secured for Los Angeles County:

“The North Los Angeles Country Transportation Coalition, JPA greatly appreciates Congressman Garcia’s collaborative approach to working with residents, businesses, and North Los Angeles County transportation officials to include federal investment in the House Surface Transportation Reauthorization bill. We applaud Congressman Garcia’s tireless efforts to secure federal tax dollars that will come back home to our North Los Angeles regional transportation projects in communities that desperately need mobility options in order to recover from the Covid pandemic,” said Santa Clarita Councilwoman Marsha McLean. ”We look forward to Mr. Garcia’s continued support seeking federal investment for critical transportation projects in North Los Angeles County.”

Palmdale Mayor Steven Hofbauer shared a quote on the $8.6 million secured for enhanced traffic operations and capacity on Rancho Vista Blvd:

“The Rancho Vista Blvd. Grade Separation Project is one of the most impactful projects undertaken in the Antelope Valley in decades,” said Palmdale Mayor Steven Hofbauer. Its completion will ensure that the vital mission of Air Force Plant 42 is not compromised, which strengthens the overall defense of our nation. On a local level, it will create hundreds of good paying jobs during the construction and support thousands of defense and associated contractor jobs at Plant 42 and surrounding community. Furthermore, its thoughtful design will enhance safety, reduce congestion, and improve operations of vehicular, bicycle, pedestrian, and train traffic. This is a huge win for Aerospace Valley!”

Dr. David G. Smith Director of Air Force Production Facility at Plant 42 shared a quote on the $8.6 million secured for enhanced traffic operations and capacity on Rancho Vista Blvd:

“The Air Force Production and Flight Test Facility, Plant 42, is a major Air Force industrial site with a 5600 acre campus and a growing population that is presently 12000 personnel,” said Dr. David G. Smith Director, Air Force Production Facility, Plant 42. “At present traffic is a limiting factor that impacts the spectrum from employee safety to recruiting and retention. Actions that increase safe and effective traffic access would be good for the community and have direct impact on the Plant’s ability to support the Nation’s current and future war fighting capability. Certain arterials have direct impact on this mission…one of those is Rancho Vista/Ave P.”

Santa Clarita Mayor Bill Miranda shared a quote on the $3.6 million for traffic safety improvements in Santa Clarita:

“Inclusion of the Quick-Fix Circulation Improvement Project as part of the Surface Transportation Reauthorization Bill is a critical first step in securing resources to improve traffic safety and circulation in the City of Santa Clarita,” said Santa Clarita Mayor Bill Miranda. “As we aim to responsibly initiate the economic recovery process, it is paramount that we continue to seek partnerships to build and improve on our existing infrastructure and roadways. I enthusiastically commend Representative Garcia and express my sincere appreciation for his tireless efforts and success in securing this crucial project in the Surface Transportation Reauthorization Bill and look forward to continuing to work with the Congressman as the legislation makes its way through Congress.”

Simi Valley Mayor Keith Mashburn shared a quote on the $4 million secured for the Sequoia Avenue Railroad Grade Crossing Upgrade in Simi Valley:

“I want to thank Congressman Garcia for his support of the Sequoia Crossing project in Simi Valley,” said Simi Valley Mayor Keith Mashburn. “If Simi Valley receives the $4 million dollars included for the project in the Surface Transportation bill, upon completion of the upgrades, Simi Valley will finally be able to apply for a Citywide Quiet Zone designation. The designation will mean a quieter community and improved quality of life for residents across the City.”