Transportation Reauthorization Bill a Reinvestment in the Infrastructure of America's Communities
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 29, 2005
Transportation Reauthorization Bill a Reinvestment in the Infrastructure of America's Communities
Washington D.C. - Today, The U.S. House of Representatives approved the $286.4 billion Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act- a Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) conference report by a vote of 412 to 8.
"The passage of this bill ensures that our nation's highways, bridges, recreational trails, enhancements and safety improvements keep up with the demands of a growing population. This is an investment in a strong, efficient, and safe transportation infrastructure. It will create good, family-wage jobs and help maintain our economic competitiveness," said Grijalva.
Included in the bill are several key transportation and transit projects that were secured by Rep. Raúl M. Grijalva. The projects include:
* $10.64 million to Construct or Modify Railroad Grade Separations on 6th St. and 22nd St. and Reconstruct Speedway Blvd. Underpass in Tucson. The increased and slow moving train traffic is a growing public safety hazard that also creates a barrier to vehicle access into downtown Tucson. Railroad grade separations are required to provide access along National Highway System roadways and enhance the movement of goods and services thru the National Trade Corridor.
* $1.2 million to upgrade and widen SR85 to I-10 (MP 120 to 141). This will help to alleviate the numerous fatalities that occur on this corridor due to speed and a mix of traffic and congestion.
* $960,000 for Upgrade and Re-opening of Main Street in Yuma. The project consists of development of a "convertible" street which would re-open vehicular traffic to Main Street and maintain access for pedestrian activity and community events.
* Authorizes the Tucson Historic Old Pueblo Rail Extension Project as a small start project. This will allow the city to develop a high capacity transit system from the University of Arizona through the downtown and connect to a proposed University of Arizona Science Center in the heart of downtown Tucson.
"After more than a year of waiting, the time has finally come for communities to receive these much needed funds," said Grijalva. "These projects represent an important investment in the transportation infrastructure of the district, as well as the entire state and I look forward to working with all the groups and agencies involved to ensure that these projects come to fruition."
http://www.house.gov/grijalva/press/press_releases/pr_072905.html