BREAKING NEWS: Transportation Funds Restored

The California Transportation Commission on Wednesday restored funding for a carpool lane through the Sepulveda Pass that was one of a number of L.A.-area projects the commission earlier this month threatened not to fund. The $730 million project would add a high-occupancy vehicle lane to the San Diego (405) Freeway from the Santa Monica (10) Freeway to the Ventura (101) Freeway in Sherman Oaks. The commission, charged with administering the $19.9 billion transportation bond California voters approved last fall, initially indicated it would not fund the project and several others planned for the Los Angeles area. The commission later reversed course after intense lobbying by U.S. Rep. Brad Sherman, Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and other public officials. “This is great news for Valley commuters on two of the most congested freeways in the country,” said Sherman, whose district includes portions of the Valley, in a statement. “We won two for two.” The commission also approved funding for a carpool lane on the Golden State (5) Freeway through the Burbank area. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger also commended the commission for its work. “Because of our combined efforts, traffic congestion will be eased, air quality will be improved and most importantly, state government will continue to work for the people of California,” Schwarzenegger said in a statement.