Congressman Raul Ruiz (D-CA) applauded $2.8 million in federal funding from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), secured under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. This funding will be allocated to support the Hargrave Grade Separation Planning Project in Banning, California.
“The safety of my constituents is my top priority,” Ruiz said in a press release. “Last year’s Union Pacific train stoppage in Beaumont caused severe delays for commuters and first responders and demonstrated a serious need for upgrades to Pass Area infrastructure. I am excited to help deliver this funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to Banning that will make our roads safer for local families, reduce congestion for commuters and prevent massive traffic blockages caused by train traffic in the Pass Area.”
According to the press release, the need for this project became evident when a Union Pacific train halted and obstructed three intersections in Beaumont for more than six hours last year. This incident caused significant traffic congestion and posed hazards to drivers in the Pass Area.
In response, Ruiz wrote a letter to Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, urging the department to invest in the Hargrave Grade Separation Planning Project. The goal of this project is to establish the foundation for a crucial transportation infrastructure initiative that will separate motor vehicle traffic from railroad crossings at a vital interchange.
“The Hargrave Grade Separation project is a critical piece of the city’s infrastructure needs,” Banning City Manager Doug Schulze said in the press release. “Completion of this project will not only improve traffic congestion and emergency response in Banning but throughout the Pass Area. We are grateful for Congressman Ruiz’s continued support and advocacy for our community public safety needs.”
The funding announced on June 5 will contribute to the development activities aimed at enhancing safety for motorists and pedestrians and addressing congestion resulting from train traffic along Hargrave Street, which passes beneath the elevated Interstate 10 corridor along Union Pacific Railroad tracks, the press release said.
This funding announcement aligns with the Biden Administration's Investing in America initiative, according to the press release. In total, the FRA has designated over $570 million in funding, under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, for 63 projects in 32 states, with the aim of improving highway-rail and pathway-rail safety. California alone will benefit from seven of these projects.
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law stands as a momentous investment in the nation's infrastructure, with the potential to transform the country for generations to come. It has already facilitated over 32,000 projects across the U.S., ranging from road resurfacing to upgrades in water systems, the press release said. During the previous congressional term, Ruiz voted in favor of this legislation and actively supported its passage in his role as chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus.
Since the Union Pacific train incident last year, Ruiz has been working to prevent similar crises from occurring again, according to the press release. He has sought answers from Union Pacific, regularly engaged in discussions with railroad company officials and local leaders, and actively advocated for preventative measures and infrastructure enhancements.