Irwin brings home the bacon, Governor in Oxnard to celebrate

Governor Jerry Brown

Assemblywoman Jacqui Irwin spearheaded an effort to secure approximately $80 million to fund the Rice Avenue overpass project at Fifth Street. The intersection has been labeled the third most dangerous rail crossing in California. Funding was granted by the California Transportation Commission.

Governor Jerry Brown is scheduled to be in Oxnard this afternoon for a ceremony acknowledging the kick-off of the project.

Darren Kettle, executive director of the Ventura County Transportation Commission, which was tasked with finding the money for the project, welcomed the approval of the funds from state Senate Bill 1, last year’s Road Repair and Accountability Act. The legislation is funded by increased gas taxes and new vehicle license fees.

 “We could not be more pleased that the commission awarded these funds to this project,” said Kettle, who attended the meeting in San Diego. “It’s a project that’s been in the making for decades and the funding was always going to be a question and with this award, that means the project can become a reality.”

If everything goes according to plan, construction of the bridge could begin by the end of 2020, he said.

We sincerely thank Assemblymember Irwin for her diligent and persistence to secure funding for the project!

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