Group in D.C. to Urge Investment in Inland Region

An advocacy group representing interests throughout Southern California is in Washington, D.C., today, urging federal officials to increase funding for projects that would improve aging and overburdened transportation corridors stretching from the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach to the Inland Empire.

Mobility 21, comprised of representatives from public agencies and businesses, is seeking expanded federal investment regionally to ease congestion and preserve air quality in the "trade gateway" that spans the coast to the California-Arizona state line.

"We're urging Congress to take a serious look at how to fund the nation's goods movement infrastructure in Southern California given its vital role in our national economy," said Riverside County Transportation Commission Executive Director Anne Mayer, who also serves as the Mobility 21 chair.

UPS Central California President Noel Massie said delays on the highways and byways add up to significant losses for the shipping giant.

"If each one of our U.S. small package delivery drivers is delayed by 10 minutes each day, the cost to UPS is $125 million per year," Massie said. "Without a doubt, we need to invest more in transportation, and invest wisely."

The Riverside County Board of Supervisors is also in the nation's capital this week for the annual National Association of Counties' conference. The supervisors are meeting with lawmakers to convey the county's need for more infrastructure funding support, the expansion of tax-advantaged foreign trade zones and public health aid.

—City News Service