The House Appropriations Committee last week approved funds to improve the District’s transportation infrastructure.

The bill provides for $4.25 million to rehabilitate the existing Frederick Douglass Bridge and to implement structural repairs and safety improvements to South Capitol Street and the Frederick Douglass Bridge from the Southeast-Southwest Freeway to Firth Sterling Avenue.

Also included in the authorization is $750,000 for the Anacostia Crossings and Freeway Study, part of the Anacostia Waterfront Initiative. The study will examine the variety of transportation modes which link the District to Maryland throughout the Anacostia region.

Online Services Launch Strategic Alliance

The online grassroots public affairs firm Grassroots Enterprise Inc. has formed a strategic alliance with the Web service Meetup.com, which facilitates political and cultural gatherings nationwide.

“We’re two organizations working toward a common goal with regards to grassroots mobilization,” said Meetup’s vice president for communications, Myles Weissleder, adding that the duo would likely integrate their services with regard to client bases.

Weissleder said he could disclose no further details about the partnership.

“Meetup.com’s proven ability to convert online passion into enthusiastic face-to-face meetings in hometowns nationwide is unsurpassed. Grassroots Enterprise’s established power in organizing and translating Internet-based grassroots concern into persuasive voting blocks, powerful consumer advocates and influential opinion shapers is matchless,” Mike McCurry, former White House press secretary and current chairman of Grassroots Enterprise, said in a statement. “The combination … will be formidable.”

D.C. Restaurant Week Starts Today

More than 100 D.C. restaurants will offer multi-course lunches and dinners at discounted prices as part of the fourth annual D.C. Restaurant Week.

Today through Aug. 3, participating restaurants will serve up three-course meals especially designed for the annual event, sponsored by the Washington, D.C., Convention and Tourism Corp. and the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington. Prices are $20.03 for lunch and $30.03 for dinner and do not include beverages, taxes or gratuity.

For a complete list of participating restaurants, see www.washington.org/ restaurantwk/. Reservations can be made at www.opentable.com.

— Bree Hocking and Amy Carlile