Today, House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi and Congressman Ted W. Lieu hosted a press conference this morning to discuss the urgent need for expanded, long-term infrastructure investment in Santa Monica, Los Angeles and cities across America.
At the California Incline reconstruction site, Leader Pelosi and Rep. Lieu were joined by Santa Monica Mayor Kevin McKeown, Supervisor Sheila Kuehl, Ron Miller, Executive Secretary of LA/OC Building trades, Phil Washington, CEO of METRO, Rusty Hicks, Executive Secretary – Treasurer of LA County Federation of Labor, Delfidio Carpio, Project Superintendent, Caltrop Construction and Jeff McDermott, Project Manager, Caltrop Construction. The California Incline site is a perfect example of how local, state and federal investment is creating local jobs, boosting the economy and paving the way for vastly improved infrastructure in Santa Monica, Los Angeles and beyond.
The Grow America Act was also discussed at length at today’s event. The House Democrat legislation would authorize President Barack Obama’s long-term, six-year transportation plan, providing $478 billion over that period to rebuild America’s infrastructure. (Grow America Act factsheet.)
Leader Nancy Pelosi’s statement on today’s event:
“In just a few short months in Congress, Ted Lieu has already distinguished himself as a leading voice for revitalizing the infrastructure of our cities and communities,” said Leader Pelosi. “Now is the time to make the big, bold investments in infrastructure that America needs to compete and succeed in the 21st century. With Democrats’ Grow America Act, we can make a robust, long-term commitment to rebuilding America – creating jobs, and unlocking a brighter future for our country.”
Congressman Ted Lieu’s statement:
“The steel in the spine of the American economy was forged by the middle class. A fundamental way to energize the middle class, to rebuild and renew our nation is by making a robust, long-term commitment to infrastructure investment. Such long-term investment, embodied by the Grow America Act, creates millions of jobs that cannot be outsourced, expands the economy, and rebuilds the infrastructure that America needs to continue as the leader of the 21st century global economy.”
Mayor Kevin McKeown’s statement:
“Stable, ongoing federal funding is crucial to Santa Monica’s ability to deliver the infrastructure improvements our residents depend upon. Congressman Lieu and Leader Pelosi are our champions in making sure Santa Monica can build a better future with federal funds.”
