Torres' Funding Priorities for I.E. Advance in Congress

Press Release

Community Funding Projects Championed by I.E. Lawmaker Totaling $20 Million Included in Surface Transportation Bill

Congresswoman Norma J. Torres (CA-35) today announced that two community funding projects she championed were included in the 2021 House surface transportation package, known as the INVEST in America Act. Combined, the projects are a $20 million infrastructure investment in the Inland Empire.

$5 Million for Pine Avenue Extension: Rep. Torres secured $5 million to help extend Pine Avenue in the City of Chino out to the 71 Freeway. The $50 million project has been in planning stages for more than a decade.

$15 Million for Malaga Bridge Project: Rep. Torres secured $15 million to help reconstruct the historic Malaga Bridge in Fontana, expand part of Foothill Boulevard, and construct pedestrian sidewalks and bike lanes for Fontana. The project will improve traffic safety, reduce congestion, and provide adequate pedestrian facilities.

The funding Rep. Torres included in the bill would allow both projects to move from planning into the construction phase.

Congresswoman Torres was joined by officials from both cities in releasing the following quotes:

"I'm pleased to announce $20 million in federal funding that would allow construction to begin for the Pine Avenue extension and Malaga Bridge projects -- two projects that will improve the lives of Inland Empire residents and create good-paying jobs within our community," Rep. Norma J. Torres said. "These projects will help reduce traffic congestion and pollution, improve mobility, and provide alternative transportation options for pedestrians. As we focus on our nation's infrastructure needs, this bill is an important opportunity to bring federal dollars back to the Inland Empire. I thank Chairman Hagman, [additional leaders], for their efforts to work with my office on these projects, and to seeing them complete."

"Congresswoman Torres' leadership and efforts to secure this critical infrastructure funding for the Pine Avenue Extension is greatly applauded and appreciated. This important connection to the 71-freeway will serve to improve livability, safety, and efficiency for the residents of Chino Valley," Supervisor Curt Hagman, Chairman of the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors, said. "We look forward to seeing the numerous benefits that completing this connection will bring and stand ready to continue to assist in its success from the groundbreaking to the official ribbon cutting."

"The City of Fontana is thrilled with the inclusion of the Malaga Bridge Project in the Transportation and Infrastructure Package," Fontana Mayor Acquanetta Warren said. "The allocation will serve to preserve our historic bridge, remove traffic obstructions and provide critical linkages in our community. In Fontana, we understand that an investment in Transportation and Infrastructure is an investment in an improved quality of life. We could not have accomplished this without the immense support and partnership of Congresswoman Norma Torres."

"This is a project of major importance, not just for the City of Chino, but for the region," Chino Mayor Eunica Ulloa said. "There is significant growth in western San Bernardino County, Riverside County, and Orange County that converge in this area. Completion of the Pine Avenue extension will provide much-needed connectivity to make sure that commutes are safe and efficient. The City Council and I are so grateful to Congresswoman Torres for fighting to get $5M in funding for the Pine Avenue Extension Project into H.R. 3684, the INVEST in America Act. On behalf of our current and future residents, we thank her for making responsible regional infrastructure planning a reality."

"The City of Chino thanks Congresswoman Torres for championing the completion of the Pine Ave Extension at the federal level," Chino Director of Public Works Amer Jakher said. "We are incredibly excited to have the extension included in the INVEST in America Act and be $5M closer to getting it underway! This project is undoubtedly an important investment in the future of the region."

The INVEST in America Act also includes provisions drawn from her Rep. Torres' bill, the Fair Transportation Act. More information is available here.

The bill will be marked up in Committee on June 9th before later moving to the House floor for consideration.

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