Representative Mike Garcia (CA-27) sent a letter to Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg urging him to support the swift repair and reopening of the I-10 Freeway in Los Angeles, which was significantly damaged by a large fire on November 11, 2023. In the letter, Rep. Garcia expressed concern over the indefinite nature of the highway shutdown, which affects hundreds of thousands of people traveling through the Los Angeles area daily.

“As you know, federal law allows your office to fund the ‘repair or reconstruction of highways…that the Secretary finds have suffered serious damage as a result of a catastrophic failure from any external cause.’ (Title 23, USC, Section 125). I strongly encourage you to use this authorization to provide any support deemed necessary for the rapid reopening of this freeway.”

Read the full letter HERE or see the full text below.

Dear Secretary Buttigieg,

               I write to call to your attention to the indefinite shutdown of the I-10 Freeway in Los Angeles. On November 11, 2023, a large fire broke out in a lot underneath the I-10, damaging the stability of the freeway and necessitating its closure. The affected section connects to the I-5, and Routes, 60, 101, & 110, and over 300,000 vehicles use this road daily. It is an essential traffic corridor in the Los Angeles area and its closure is causing significant traffic disruptions.

               As you know, federal law allows your office to fund the “repair or reconstruction of highways…that the Secretary finds have suffered serious damage as a result of a catastrophic failure from any external cause.” (Title 23, USC, Section 125). I strongly encourage you to use this authorization to provide any support deemed necessary for the rapid reopening of this freeway.

               Thank you for your attention to this request, and I look forward to continuing to work with you on this important matter.