Washington, DC– Congressman Joe Baca (D-Rialto) succeeded in arranging for the transfer of federal land at the Rialto Airport to the City of Rialto, paving the way for commercial development there long hoped for by city officials and residents. The development will boost the city’s tax revenue as well.

“This is an exciting and historic moment for Rialto. This transfer of land will make possible projects that will benefit Rialto for generations to come. As a resident of Rialto, as well as its representative in Congress, I recognize that our community has the opportunity to move forward with revitalization, economic development and growth as a result.”

The land transfer is contained in the comprehensive transportation bill approved by both the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate today.

The legislation, known as “TEA-LU”, the Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users, provides federal funding for the nation’s highway and transit programs for the next six years. Differences between House and Senate versions of the bill required extensive negotiations that lasted months and continued into the wee hours of the morning.

In fact, the House appeared poised to vote on, and pass, the legislation last night but had to wait until today for differences to be ironed out.

Earlier this week the transfer was included, only to be taken out the following day. Congressman Baca ultimately was able to include language that transfers the land to the City of Rialto in the final version of the legislation during early morning negotiations.

Rep. Baca thanked Rep. Jerry Lewis (R-Redlands) for crucial help in making sure the land transfer made it into the bill. “Representative Jerry Lewis deserves a lot of credit, and I want to thank him for all of his help. It is important to have someone at the table during negotiations, and I am proud that we have been able to work so well together for the benefit of Inland Empire communities.”

Rialto Municipal Airport has been underused and consequently losing money, running a deficit that could have cost the city over $10 million in the next five years. Airport operations will now be shifted to nearby San Bernardino International Airport (SBIA).

Under the terms of the transfer, the City of Rialto will pay the United States 45 percent of the current fair market value of the property. Local leaders will make decisions about how to use the land.

Rep. Baca expressed optimism that community officials and residents will work together effectively to bring jobs and development to the area. “Rialto’s leaders have been doing a good job to plan for a brighter future. And San Bernardino has also been cooperative regarding plans to move operations to SBIA. We must continue have a strong partnership and active collaboration.”

In addition to the land transfer at the site of the Rialto Airport, the transportation reauthorization bill passed by Congress today included almost $13 million in federal funding for highway and transit projects in Colton, Fontana, Ontario, Rialto and San Bernardino requested by Baca.