Aguilar, Torres Announce Nearly $87M for West Valley Connector Project
Reps. Pete Aguilar (CA-31), and Norma Torres (CA-35) both members of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development (THUD), with jurisdiction over all discretionary federal spending, today announced $86.75 million in Capital Investment Grants (CIG) Smart Starts funding for the West Valley Connector Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Project in San Bernardino.
The funds will be used to create a new, 19-mile zero-emission bus line running between Pomona and Rancho Cucamonga as part of Omnitrans’ sbX BRT service. The project will fund construction of 21 new bus stations and the acquisition of 40-foot, zero-emission buses. It will also help improve key connections for commuters across the region, including to Ontario International Airport (ONT), to two Metrolink lines (San Bernardino and Riverside) as well as numerous activity centers, including Ontario Mills and Victoria Gardens.
The lawmakers released the following statements:
“Inland Empire residents know we need meaningful investment in our infrastructure to relieve traffic and smog in our region and create the good-paying jobs that keep our local economy moving,” Rep. Aguilar said. “I’m proud to join Rep. Torres and the Biden Administration to announce this funding, and I look forward to continued collaboration to ensure San Bernardino County continues to receive its fair share of federal funding.”
“The Inland Empire is a community on the move, and the funds Rep. Aguilar and I are announcing today will connect more of our neighbors with opportunities across the region,” Rep. Norma J. Torres said. “This isn’t just about a new bus line – it’s also about improving existing connections, expanding transit options, and creating shovel-ready jobs as we build new stations. I’m excited for construction to begin, and for Inland Empire residents to have another safe and reliable means of public transportation.”
“The West Valley Connector, a collaborative effort between SBCTA and Omnitrans, is focused on taking a bold step forward in providing transit connectivity to educational opportunities, health care providers, employment centers, major retail centers, Ontario International Airport, and other key destinations for residents of both San Bernardino and Los Angeles counties,” Frank J. Navarro, President of the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority, said. “We’re thrilled to see this important project move one step closer to connecting the constituencies served by Congressional members Torres and Aguilar with an efficient, cost-effective and sustainable transit system.”
