MORAN ANNOUNCES HOUSE PASSAGE OF TRANSPORTATION BILL
House Passed Bill Includes Possible $15,284,000 for K-18 and Old Highway 77
JUNCTION CITY - Congressman Jerry Moran today announced that the U.S. House has passed H.R. 3, highway funding reauthorization legislation known as the Transportation Equity Act. The legislation includes $15,284,000 for improvements to the K-18 and Old Highway 77 highways in the Fort Riley and Junction City areas.
"Having safe and adequate roads is critical to supporting our communities and the mission of Fort Riley," Moran said. "This funding will mean additional highway construction jobs for the Fort Riley, Junction City and Manhattan areas. Everyone will benefit from these projects and the increased safety will provide peace of mind for families transporting their children, grandchildren and loved ones."
The planned $14.5 million project for K-18 calls for expanding the existing two-lane road to a four-lane road from the Riley/Geary County line south to Interstate-70. The project for Old Highway 77, totaling $784,000, includes resurfacing, grading, replacing guardrails and adding shoulders to an approximately four mile stretch of the highway in Geary County, near Fort Riley. Kansas is estimated to receive $2.3 billion over six years under H.R. 3.
Recently, the U.S. Department of Defense announced that it would increase Fort Riley's strength by nearly 30 percent, moving over 9,300 troops, family members and new civilian workers with the Sixth Brigade, 25th Infantry Division. The influx of new residents will increase traffic on already strained area highways.
"Having a sound transportation system is critical for the economic health of our state," Moran said. "In addition to increased safety and expanded roadways, these highway projects will provide the BRAC Commission with additional benefits to consider as we work toward expanding access to Fort Riley."
The Senate is currently considering their version of the transportation bill. A conference committee will then meet to work out the differences between the House and Senate-passed versions of the legislation before it is signed into law.
http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press/ks01_moran/nr031005transportationfunding.html