$250,000 OKd for Rail Tunnel Repairs

Federal authorities have approved $250,000 to repair the aging Santa Susana Rail Tunnel--far less than the millions sought by Ventura County transportation officials.

The money will pay for a consultant to map a plan for repairs or to stop water leaks that plague the 1 1/4-mile tunnel between Simi Valley and Chatsworth, Simi Valley Councilman Bill Davis said.

The tunnel, built in 1907, handles 30 passenger and freight trains daily. Its lining has separated from the mountain, there is ground water seeping through the walls, and the tunnel contains no lighting or passenger walkways.

Davis, who also serves as vice chairman of the Metrolink Commuter Rail Board and is a member of the Ventura County Transportation Commission, had asked for $16 million when he appeared before members of the House of Representatives in February.

“I was really disappointed” by Tuesday’s federal funding announcement, said Davis, who intends to renew the request next year.

“When I went there . . . the word that came back to me was there was no doubt that thing is really bad,” he added. “I really believed at that point in time we were going to get the funding.”

At least $16 million in federal money was needed to secure another $4 million in matching state funds, Davis said.

Rep. Elton Gallegly (R-Oxnard), in a written statement, acknowledged the allocation was not enough to finish the $20-million project.

“While this is not enough to fully repair the tunnel, it is enough to help ensure that repairs critical to passenger safety are completed,” Gallegly said.