Daily Democrat - Congressman touring port in West Sac

Congressman Mike Thompson and U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood will be visiting the Port of West Sacramento next week as part of an effort to see how federal money has "increased Northern California's economic competitiveness."

Thompson, a Democrat who represents the 1st Congressional District, will visit the port on Wednesday along with West Sacramento Mayor Christopher Cabaldon, Port Director Mike Luken, Yolo County Supervisor and Port Chairman Mike McGowan, and other officials.

They will be looking over operations at the facility.

Since 2001, Thompson has helped secure more than $5.2 million in federal funding for the Port, including a $30 million TIGER I grant to help develop a marine highway route between West Sacramento, Oakland, and Stockton. When completed, the project will increase trade and commerce at the port while also decreasing congestion on local roads and highways.

"If California is going to remain competitive in the long-term, we need to make serious investments in the roads, bridges, airports, and ports that form the foundation of our economy," said Thompson. "Transportation infrastructure investment is a proven job creator and a key source of economic growth. I am proud to join Transportation Secretary LaHood on a tour of local infrastructure projects to see first-hand how our communities are building their way into a 21st century economy."

Other sites scheduled to be visited include the Napa Valley Vine Trail in Yountville.

When completed, the trail system will be one of the premier transportation systems in the country, connecting the entire Napa Valley from the Vallejo Ferry Terminal to Calistoga.

There will also be a ceremonial groundbreaking at the Napa County Airport for the airports new Glideslope Receiver System.

Thompson has gotten more than $1.18 million for the Glideslope, which will allow approaching pilots to land during periods of low visibility due to adverse weather conditions.