STA Lobbies For Transportation Funds in D.C.

STA Lobbies For Transportation Funds in D.C.
By SARAH ROHRS/Times-Herald staff writer
Article Launched: 04/01/2008

Vallejo could get $2 million to help pay for a new ferry maintenance facility if local transportation lobbyists get their message across loud and clear this week in Washington, D.C.

Vallejo Mayor Osby Davis joined a contingent of Solano County transportation advocates for an annual lobbying trip to the nation's capitol.

Davis left Monday morning for the three-day trip, and will return to City Hall on Friday, his secretary said. He serves on the STA along with mayors of Solano's six other cities.

The group will lobby congressional representatives for funding in the 2008-09 budget for five local transportation projects.

Specifically, STA members will meet with aides for Reps. George Miller, D-Martinez, and Ellen Tauscher, D-Alamo, and Sens. Dianne Feinstein and Barbara Boxer, said STA director of planning Robert Macaulay.

The group is also meeting with representatives of the Defense Department about transportation projects slated for Travis Air Force Base.

For Vallejo, the STA is seeking $2 million for the renovation of a Mare Island building to serve as a permanent maintenance facility and office space for the city's ferry service.

The funding would pay for the third phase of the ferry maintenance facility project. The first two phases are funded but have not yet been built.

The ferry maintenance and fuel facility is now in a temporary trailer on Mare Island, said Public Works Director Gary Leach.

The new facility would provide for safe and secure space for spare parts and other items needed to maintain the ferry boats, and also provide office space for ferry management and other personnel, according to STA documents.

The third phase is expected to cost $6 million. Other funding would come from other state and federal sources, according to the STA.

Besides the Vallejo ferry maintenance facility, the STA contingent will also lobby for:

• Travis Air Force Base Access Improvements, $5 million.
• SolanoExpress bus replacement and expansion, $2 million.
• Fairfield/Vacaville Intermodal Station, $2.5 million.
• Vacaville Intermodal Station, $1.85 million.
Contact Sarah Rohrs at srohrs@thnewsnet.com or 553-6832.