Local officials set out for D.C. to solicit transportation funds
Money still needed to improve rail and roadways in county
By Sylvie Belmond belmond@theacorn.com

Ventura County officials will be taking a trip to the nation's capital next week to lobby for funds needed to improve road conditions and rail traffic throughout the county.

"Although legislators may be cutting back on appropriations, there will be some funds available, so we want to make sure the representatives in Washington, D.C. are aware of the county's needs," said Ginger Ghirardi, executive director of the Ventura County Transportation Commission.

County officials will seek funds to help with rail crossings, a freeway interchange, an environmental impact report, train passing tracks, a new rail line and the expansion of bus pass sales outlets and establishment of online pass sales.

"We're looking for any help," Ghirardi said.

Two major undertakings in the East County include the connectors between the 23 and the 101 freeways and an Environmental Impact Report for rural Highway 118, a road plagued with deadly accidents.

"The environmental report will probably cost $4 to $5 million, but we're not looking for (the federal legislators) to fund all of the projects entirely," Ghirardi said.

Funds to improve rail crossings in Somis and enhance the movement of passengers and goods in Ventura County are also needed, officials said.

The county contingent will include Thousand Oaks Councilmember Dennis Gillette, Moorpark Councilmember Keith Millhouse and County Supervisor John Flynn, chairperson for the VCTC. Millhouse was recently named vice-chairman of the Metrolink board.

"It's critical that we go after every potential funding opportunity for these projects," said Millhouse.

The VCTC is trying to reestablish rail service on the Santa Paula line, which runs from Ventura to Santa Clarita.

The line would ease truck traffic generated by the Port of Hueneme and provide additional service for county residents.

The new line would also reduce the truck traffic that goes through Moorpark, said Millhouse, who wants to see that train route connected to the port in the future.

Michael Plisky, president of Port of Hueneme and Oxnard Harbor District, will also be going to Washington.

He said he intends to help the city of Oxnard and the transportation commission obtain funds to complete the Rice Avenue bypass at the interchange of the 101 Freeway and Hueneme Road.

"We need to be able to get our goods from the port to the market as quickly as possible and with the least traffic impact to the communities," said the former Oxnard councilmember.

The port uses both trucks and rail to carry products.

"A lot of our concern is for the future development and growth of the port. We need better transportation to minimize impacts," Plisky said.

Plisky will also solicit support to expand port operations.

"As we join forces with the Navy and the military base here, we need the support of Congress," Plisky said.