WATER, SCHOOL PROJECTS FUNDED FEDERAL SPENDING BILL HELPS WITH $2.35 MILLION.

Byline: Jim Skeen Staff Writer

LANCASTER - The federal government will provide $2.35 million to help improve Lancaster's water distribution system, rebuild Lancaster's north downtown, and expand Palmdale's after-school programs.

In a mammoth multiagency funding bill approved by Congress, a Lancaster water main project will receive $2 million. Lancaster's North Downtown Transit Village project will receive $250,000. Palmdale will receive $100,000 for after-school programs.

The funding was announced by Rep. Bill Thomas, R-Bakersfield, whose district includes portions of Lancaster, and Rep. Howard ``Buck'' McKeon, R-Santa Clarita, whose district includes the rest of the Los Angeles County portion of the Antelope Valley.

The $14.5 million water project is intended to carry up to 25 million gallons of water per day. The project includes providing a loop water main system on the city's eastside, extending water lines in the industrial area planned around Fox Field, and running a line along a portion of 60th Street West.

``This project continues to be one of Lancaster's highest priorities, and I was happy to join with Buck to secure these funds,'' said Thomas. ``With projects like this, we are creating the infrastructure necessary for the continued economic and job growth of the Antelope Valley.''

The water system work would include the installation of a 3- to 4-foot- diameter water main to serve about 8,200 acres earmarked for industry and the Antelope Valley Fairgrounds between the Antelope Valley Freeway and Fox Field.

The eastside water main would go along Avenue H from just east of Sierra Highway to 20th Street East and then south to Avenue I, where it would be connected with an existing line.

The 60th Street West segment is expected to run from Avenue K to Avenue M. Another water main would run along Avenue H between 60th and 105th streets west.

Lancaster has already received $3.5 million in federal aid for the project from previous legislation. City officials are hoping to secure additional federal dollars in future appropriations.

The North Downtown Transit Village project is a redevelopment effort that would create a new city park, draw together social service providers, and add or renovate housing in the area near the city's Metrolink train station.

``I am very pleased with the level of funding we secured for the North Downtown Transit Village Project,'' said McKeon. ``This project will help rejuvenate the north downtown area of Lancaster, and create many new jobs for our community.''

The $100,000 after-school allocation will help pay to give children supervised activities, including an hour dedicated to homework assistance, with the remaining time available for participation in crafts, games and sports.

Jim Skeen, [phone]

james.skeen(at)dailynews.com