PUBLISHED BY THE REPORTER

Travis Air Force Base was approved for more funding last week -- this time to improve access to and from Solano County through the North Gate at the base.
Congressman John Garamendi, D-Solano, reported in a press release that a bill approved by the House of Representatives includes a $750,000 earmark he requested for the North Gate.

"This bill is good for Travis, good for California and good for America," Garamendi stated in a press release announcing the funding. "We're making sure that Solano County's largest employer is accessible to its thousands of employees, and we are investing in essential housing and transportation projects that will help put breadwinners in struggling families back to work. In this economy, 'no more investment' is not an option."

The announcement was the second time in a week Travis was notified that extra funds were headed its way.

Wednesday, the House of Representatives approved $387,000 in funds to begin moving forward on construction at Travis Air Force Base as part of the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations Act (MilCon).

The $387,000 will be used for the construction of new Base Civil Engineer maintenance and supply facilities to allow 270 Travis Air Force Base personnel to accomplish their work in a more secure and efficient manner.

Meanwhile, The Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Act for fiscal year 2011 will provide help for Americans who have been hurt by the recession over the short-term, Garamendi said, adding that it will strengthen the economy over the long-term by making key investments in improving our infrastructure.

"We know that for every $1 invested in infrastructure improvements, $1.57 is returned to our GDP," Garamendi stated. "In an economic downturn, almost every economist agrees that we must invest in projects that create jobs. Rebuilding and modernizing our roads, public transit and railways is a vital step in that process."