REP LIEU STATEMENT ON FUNDING SECURED FOR NEW BRIDGE DESTROYED BY WOOLSEY FIRE

LOS ANGELES - Today, Congressman Ted W. Lieu (D-Los Angeles County) congratulates local partners on securing funding for the construction of a permanent bridge on Mulholland Highway over Triunfo Creek. Construction is expected to start early next year with anticipated completion in October of 2020. The bridge was one of three damaged or destroyed by the November 2018 Woolsey Fire.

"This was a true team effort. I'm grateful that we were able to work so quickly to make this project happen, and I appreciate the hard work of LA County Supervisor Sheila Kuehl, CalTrans, LA County Public Works, and the Federal Highway Administration," said Congressman Lieu . "The Woolsey Fire had a devastating impact on our community but it's clear that, when it comes to the ongoing recovery efforts, coordination is key in helping our community rebuild. This partnership really speaks to what is possible when all levels of government work together to deliver on a critical piece of infrastructure."

LA County Supervisor Sheila Kuehl said, "In the past, funding commitments to rebuild often took years to get, but working with Congressman Ted Lieu, Caltrans and the Federal Highway Administration, we were able to get the needed funding in record time. By fast-tracking reconstruction of this bridge, we underscore our deep commitment to the communities affected by the Woolsey Fire. My sincerest thanks to Congressman Lieu, CalTran's District Director John Bulinski and LA County Public Works Director Mark Pestrella for helping to move this forward in record time."

The new bridge between Troutdale Drive and Waring Drive will be constructed alongside the temporary bridge which was put into service this past May. The temporary bridge will remain in place until the permanent bridge is completed.

The $9 million permanent replacement bridge is part of an overall $12 million project that included the construction of a temporary bridge and is funded by the Federal Highway Administration and local gas tax dollars.

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