Bush Veto Threat Puts Key Projects for Vallejo and Benicia in Jeopardy
WASHINGTON – A million dollar federal grant for the Vallejo ferry system and a smaller federal grant for a veterans hall in Benicia are in jeopardy because President Bush has threatened to veto a national funding bill for transportation and other services, announced Congressman George Miller (D-Martinez), who secured funding
for the two projects.
By a vote of 270 to 147, the House of Representatives today approved the major funding bill for transportation, housing, and urban development projects around the country, including projects in Vallejo and Benicia, and the Senate is expected to approve the same bill later this week. But these critical projects locally and nationwide are in jeopardy because of a threat by President Bush that he will veto the bill.
“I am appalled by the President’s refusal to sign funding bills approved by this Congress for critical services and projects,” said Miller. “Congress is approving crucial funding to improve public transportation and housing across the nation, a bill that does not add to the federal budget deficit. This bill would provide funding to improve ferry service used by Bay Area residents every day and to upgrade the Benicia Veterans Hall. I strongly urge the president to reconsider and sign our bi-partisan bill into law.”
The following programs requested by Miller would be funded under the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, which was approved today by the House:
- Ferry Maintenance Facility, Vallejo CA – $1 Million to build out a new maintenance and fueling facility for Vallejo’s highly successful high speed ferries used between San Francisco and Vallejo. Miller has been one of the key supporters of Vallejo’s ferry service since its inception.
- Benicia Veterans Hall Improvements – $150,000 to help rehabilitate a publicly owned building used by veterans for meetings and recreation. Planned improvements include interior and exterior; mechanical, electrical and line safety upgrades.
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Posted by PDP-Staff at November 14, 07 10:40 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
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