I recently traveled to Washington D.C. on behalf of the County of Orange, Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA), and Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA).

During this time of year, U.S. Representatives and Senators prepare to make recommendations for funding important projects throughout the country based on requests received from local governments.

While in our nation’s capitol, I met with key members of Congress from the Orange County delegation to advocate for funding for a number of important water quality projects essential to our infrastructure for clean & safe water.

These requests included $18 million for the Aliso Creek Project, $12.3 million for the Upper Newport Bay Restoration Project and $108.3 million for the Santa Ana River Project.

I also addressed the importance of fair distribution of the Cities Readiness Initiative (CRI).

These funds are essential for bio-terrorism preparedness and come in the form of a grant that should be allocated on a per capita basis.

The County ought to receive these funds directly rather than through Los Angeles County as an intermediary.

Los Angeles County has not provided funding on bio-terrorism preparedness in over three years for nine Orange County cities for which it receives federal allocations.

Additionally, I met with top transportation leaders in Congress regarding federal appropriations requests by OCTA.

I emphasized the importance of funding for improving chokepoints and relieving traffic congestion along the I-5 in South County and major interchanges in our freeway system.

Lastly, I was joined by fellow TCA Board members in meetings with the office of U.S. Senator Feinstein and other federal officials to discuss alternative possibilities for moving forward with the much needed completion of the Foothill-South / 241 extension.