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DOT Authorizes Nearly $370 Million for California Rail, Garamendi Praises Jobs-Creating Decision

May 9, 2011

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman John Garamendi (D-Walnut Creek, CA) today praised President Obama and Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood for allocating nearly $370 million for rail projects in California. A strict "Buy American" requirement will be applied to these awards, so that U.S. manufacturers and workers will receive the maximum economic benefit.

"Investments in transportation are key to unlocking this country's economic potential," said Congressman Garamendi. "I commend this decision to direct money to a proven job creator and to require that the equipment is made in this country. If America is going to make it, we have to Make It In America again."

Garamendi added, "By strengthening a modern infrastructure network, this investment will create thousands of California jobs, advance environmentally responsible transportation, connect commercial markets, and unleash economic growth."

According to the Congressional Budget office, every $1 invested in infrastructure adds $1.57 to the economy.

The Transportation Department grant for California will go for the following rail priorities:

• $68 million to acquire 15 high-performance passenger rail cars and 4 quick-acceleration locomotives for the Pacific Surfliner, San Joaquin, and Capitol Corridors in California.

• $300 million for a 20-mile extension of high-speed rail along the Central Valley Corridor. This will continue to advance one of the highest priority projects in the nation that will ultimately provide 220 mph high-speed rail service from Los Angeles to San Francisco. The work funded in this round will extend the track and civil work from Fresno to the "Wye" junction, which will provide a connection to San Jose to the West and Merced to the North.

• Boost U.S. manufacturing through investment in state-of-the-art locomotives and rail cars. "Next Generation" rail equipment will deliver safe, reliable and high-tech American-built vehicles for passenger travel.

For more on Transportation Secretary LaHood's announcement, visit https://www.dot.gov/affairs/2011/dot5711.html.

Congressman Garamendi has legislation that would require that U.S. tax money for transportation projects would go towards American manufacturing. To learn more about this legislation, visit /sites/evo-subsites/garamendi-evo.house.gov/files/legislation/makeitinamerica.shtml.