COUNTY TRIP TO D.C. FOLLOWS CITY LOBBYING.

Byline: Susan Abram Staff Writer

SANTA CLARITA - County supervisors will head this week to Washington, D.C., where a delegation from Santa Clarita has just returned after discussing transportation, health concerns and economic development in the valley with federal officials.

The local delegation of 16 representing the community held more than a dozen meetings to help secure funding for various projects and establish long-term relationships with key federal agencies.

``The goal was to ask for for federal assistance for some very much needed community-based projects,'' said Larry Mankin, president of the Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce, who organized the trip and meetings with various federal committee leaders.

Projects discussed included securing $1.3 million for cardiac catheterizations lab equipment for Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital. Local health officials say that the lab would help 500 local residents each year. About 1,000 residents leave the valley to receive cardiac catheterization services in other areas, Mankin said.

The delegation also requested that funding be secured for the completion of the Santa Clarita Cross Valley Connector. Of the estimated $245 million cost for the roadway, $24 million is being requested from the reauthorization of the federal Surface Transportation Act. The delegation wanted to secure support for the reauthorization.

In addition, the delegation also requested funding for a proposed business facility within College of the Canyons. The facility would provide services to small companies to expand, and provide employment.

Mankin said these requests were made to help Santa Clarita create an infrastructure that will promote the employment and housing balance in the valley.

``We have to have good roads and good health care,'' Mankin said. ``Keeping jobs and housing balance is so important. It is critical for the long term, particularly in Los Angeles County.''

Mankin said the delegation will learn the result of the requests by October, once appropriation committees have made their decisions.

County officials also will be making similar requests. Fifth District Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich will discuss local concerns with federal committee leaders.

In addition to funding for the the Cross Valley Connector, Antonovich will discuss the creation of a truck lane on the Golden State Freeway, and reimbursements of costs to incarcerate illegal immigrants. If secured, money will go toward more funding for the sheriff's department.

Susan Abram, [phone]

susan.abram(at)dailynews.com