$500,000 included in House-passed bill

Rep. Howard P. “Buck” McKeon has announced that $500,000 has been included in the House-passed Transportation-HUD Appropriations bill for the Santa Clarita Cross Valley Connector, an eight and half mile road project connecting Interstate 5 and State Route 14.  Once completed, the Connector will consist of six to eight lane roadways, bridges and intersections that will serve as a vital regional connection and will be an economic boon for the area as well.  
 
“The funds secured for the completion of the Cross Valley Connector will benefit the area economically while also providing increased safety vehicle access and reduced traffic congestion,” noted McKeon.  “There are actually a number of benefits I can see to completing the bridge portion of the Connector,” McKeon continued.  “Generally speaking, uniting the Valley in this way will help local employees get to work and will improve the transportation of goods throughout the region.”
 
City officials requested funding for the Santa Clarita Cross Valley Connector.
 
Santa Clarita Cross Valley Connector – $500,000 to construct a bridge over the Santa Clara River , the final link of the connector.  The bridge will span approximately 1,100 feet to ensure that the Santa Clara River , the last natural river in Southern California , is minimally impacted.  
 
Following the announcement that the City’s requested funds passed the U.S. House, City of Santa Clarita Mayor Marsha McLean , made the following statement:
 
[view:node_ad=5]"I am very pleased that Congressman McKeon was able to secure funding for the Cross Valley Connector in such a highly competitive environment," commented McLean .  "The inclusion of the Cross Valley Connector in this year's House transportation appropriations bill speaks highly of both the merits of the project and Mr. McKeon's advocacy skills on behalf of his constituents," she continued.
 
The City of Santa Clarita ’s Cross Valley Connector was included in the Transportation-HUD Appropriations bill that passed the House late Tuesday night.  From here, the bill moves to the U.S. Senate for a vote and later to conference between both Houses.  In order for the bill to become law, it must then be signed by the President.