Anna Eshoo: “included in the fiscal year 1997 supplemental appropriation bill which we are considering is language that makes…”

“included in the fiscal year 1997 supplemental appropriation bill which we are considering is language that makes available to the State of California, emergency relief funding for the repair or reconstruction of highway 1 at Devil's Slide in San Mateo County. For decades the residents of San Mateo County have dealt with the ongoing problem of Devil's Slide. The current highway runs along the coast and is prone to damage from mudslides and vulnerable to long closures. An original proposal to construct a bypass road further inland ran into several problems, with opposition from local residents concerned about its impact. However, last year the people of San Mateo County voted overwhelmingly to endorse the building of a tunnel bypass. The tunnel alternative has the strong support of local officials, business owners, the environmental community, and residents. After a long and difficult process, we are ready to move forward to solve this problem and provide reliable access to those who visit, live, and drive in San Mateo County. I congratulate Representatives Lantos and Pelosi for their hard, effective work that will allow us to finally move forward.”