Reps. Linda Sánchez, Napolitano and Chu Call on USDOT for Critical Bridge Repair Assistance (Dec 21 2011)

Congresswomen Ask Secretary La Hood for Emergency Funds to Cover Paramount Blvd. Bridge Reconstruction

Washington, DC – Today, Congresswomen Linda Sánchez (CA-39), Grace Napolitano (CA-38) and Judy Chu (CA-32) formally requested federal funds from the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) to repair the damage to the 60 Freeway and the Paramount Boulevard Bridge in Montebello, CA caused by a gasoline tanker explosion.

"Los Angeles drivers know how important the 60 Freeway and Paramount Boulevard are for commuting and for commerce," said Congresswomen Sánchez. "Major traffic delays can have a devastating impact on our economy. That's why it's crucial that we repair the 60 Freeway and the Paramount Boulevard Bridge as quickly and as safely as possible. I look forward to working with my colleagues, as well as local and state officials, to make sure that these repairs get the proper federal funding. California is experiencing a major budget crunch, and the need for this funding is greater than ever."

"On Monday, Rep. Sánchez and I contacted Governor Brown and Secretary LaHood directly to request assistance with the reconstruction of the Paramount Boulevard bridge," said Congresswoman Napolitano. "I was grateful for the quick declaration of a state of emergency the following day. With this official disaster designation in place, it is now critical for the federal government to assist us with funding to expedite the rebuilding process. We must act quickly to rebuild the Paramount Boulevard bridge and restore the flow of traffic and access to local businesses for everyone who lives and works in the Montebello area."

"This is a critical artery Angelinos use to get to work and go about their daily lives," said Congresswoman Chu. "The bridge fire caused commutes between the San Gabriel Valley and Los Angeles to double and triple. We must repair the bridge as quickly as possible to limit the economic and personal impact of this disaster on local communities. Federal emergency relief funding will be crucial to this effort."

On December 14, 2011, a tanker carrying 8,800 gallons of gasoline exploded while traveling on the 60 Freeway under the Paramount Boulevard overpass. The explosion destroyed the Paramount Boulevard Bridge, which shut down the 60 Freeway while crews demolished the bridge. The explosion also forced the closure of Paramount Boulevard, an important commercial corridor in the region. Yesterday, California Governor Jerry Brown declared a state of emergency in response to the 60 Freeway tanker fire. The emergency declaration initiates the process for obtaining federal funds to reimburse state and local costs of repairing the bridge.

Congresswomen Sánchez, Napolitano, and Chu today sent a letter to Transportation Secretary Ray La Hood asking that USDOT provide funds from the federal Emergency Relief (ER) Program for repairs to the 60 freeway and the reconstruction of the bridge.

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