OnTrac and Orange County Transportation Officials Welcome Passage Of The New California Budget Signaling Goods Movement

OnTrac Executive Director Chris Becker is cautiously optimistic the Governor will sign the final bill on Saturday, which will release funds aimed at improving the safety of the rail corridor and the existing 11 at grade rail crossings in the cities of Placentia, Anaheim and unincorporated Orange County.

PLACENTIA, CA (PRWEB) July 30, 2004 -- Were excited to move forward on restoring transportation funds that have been raided to offset the State general fund deficit over the last few years," said Executive Director Chris Becker, Orange North-American Trade Rail Access Corridor (OnTrac) Joint Powers Authority (www.OnTrac-JPA.org).

Closing the chapter on a heated two-month budget debate, a bipartisan majority of state senators Thursday approved a $105 billion spending plan for next year. The Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's is expected to sign the plan into law Saturday.

The budget includes a significant commitment to our project," explained Becker. The state actions will provide relief to OnTrac, although certain funds we are expecting must wait for the outcome of the November ballot initiative regarding Indian Gaming. Our $11.8 million in unallocated Traffic Congestion Relief Program funds could be in place by January 2005, if the voters support the Governors recommendations. These funds will be used to pay back a loan for the acquisition of the Office Depot property and to complete payments owed to Burlington Northern Santa Fe."

In shorter term, On August 4-5, 2004, the California Transportation Commission is set to approve OnTracs request to reprogram $3.3 million in State funds, which will enable us to complete the construction of the Melrose Underpass and the Bradford Avenue Crossing closure projects," said Placentia Mayor Judy A. Dickinson. We will also be able to reimburse the City funds used to keep construction moving during the State budget crisis."

Becker noted that the Melrose project is ahead of its scheduled December 2004 completion and is also on --budget. A dedication ceremony is being planned.

The State budget approval will also implement the final release of $3.4 million in funds for the Railroad Crossing Safety Improvement/Quiet Zone Project," explained Becker. This is the first railroad Quiet Zone" in California and one of only a few in the country. A formal ribbon cutting ceremony is being planned to kick-off the final construction phase."

Becker also praised the OnTrac Board of Directors and Placentia City Council, which he said have exhibited the leadership and dedication to keep these crucial projects moving forward through very tough and challenge budget cycles.

The projects will deliver long-term benefits for the community to maintain the quality of life and the movement of people and goods," said Becker.

For more information about OnTrac please visit:
www.OnTrac-JPA.org and for images or media interviews contact George McQuade, 818.340.5300 or 818.618.9229.

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