Features

Plans for the proposed Ed Roberts Center for the disabled took a major step forward Wednesday when a key congressional committee endorsed a $3 million funding package for the Ashby Bart Station project. 

The same funding package also includes $1.5 million for long-delayed improvements to the Gilman Street/Interstate 80 interchange and $2 million for bus shelters and intelligent systems for AC transit which will be installed along Telegraph Avenue. 

Last year, the city installed temporary lane striping as a stopgap measure to improve traffic flow at the frequently congested Gilman/I-80 interchange. 

The funds are part of $16 million in funding for the 9th Congressional District included in the Transportation Equity Act, said Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Oakland). 

Calling on the full House of Representatives to pass the $284 billion funding measure, Lee said the bill “provides much-needed money for East Bay transportation projects and a vital economic stimulus for our community.” 

The city’s Zoning Adjustments Board has approved the permits for construction of the Ed Roberts Center earlier this year, a necessary step before center directors can receive the full funding needed to building the project, which will house a wide range of groups serving the needs of the regional disability community. 

The bill would fund a variety of projects in Lee’s district including $1 million for an transit center at the Emeryville Amtrak Station and $2.5 million in improvements to I-880 in Oakland.›