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TRANSACTIONS NEWSLETTER ONLINE

February 2002

Governor Keynotes East Span Festivities

Governor Gray Davis"This is a great undertaking! With God's blessing, this new bridge will stand magnificently for decades."
Governor Gray Davis
January 29, 2002
Inscription on the ceremonial pile
Construction of the new east span of the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge -- one of the largest projects in Caltrans' history -- officially commenced in late January when Governor Gray Davis and a number of other state and local dignitaries signed a ceremonial pile at a press conference and celebration.

"We are beginning construction of what is arguably the safest bridge in the world," Davis told the crowd of several hundred gathered at a spot on Treasure Island that affords a breathtaking view of the existing east span and of the construction that will unfold in coming months. Pledging to complete the bridge in just five years, Davis said that the massive project will create thousands of jobs. "This is not just a repair job; this is an investment in California's economy," he said.

Acting as master of ceremonies was Maria Contreras-Sweet, secretary of the State Business, Transportation and Housing Agency, which oversees Caltrans. "By building this $2.6 billion wonder, we also bridge a gap between the 20th and 21st centuries," she said.
-- Brenda Kahn

See Facts & Figures for a closer look at the new bridge.

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