Improving Our Roads, Economy Simutaneously

IMPROVING OUR ROADS, ECONOMY SIMULTANEOUSLY
1/03/2005

Growing up in Jackson Parish, I was told that the road you choose to travel makes all the difference.

And after three decades in the realm of public service, I've also come to find out that the roads our residents travel make all the difference, too.

When I was first elected to congress nearly three years ago, I put the improvement of the 5th Congressional District's infrastructure systems at the top of my agenda.

I've fought to secure every dollar possible for roads in the 5th District and, of course, for other infrastructure projects such as our airports, river ports and railways.

Last month I was proud to announce that over $18 million in appropriations had been secured for projects in the 5th District, and of those funded projects, many of them dealt directly with infrastructure.

• $2.2 million for airfield lighting at Monroe Regional Airport

• $900,000 Ouachita River levees

• $100,000 for the Tensas River basin

• $3.3 million for the Tensas River, Red River backwater project

• $20,000 for the Madison Parish Port

• $800,000 for the Bastrop-Morehouse Regional Airport

• $1 million for the Lincoln Parish I-20 corridor

• $1.5 million LA-143/US 165 connector and Ouachita River bridge

• $1 million for the Choudrant I-20 service road

• $500,000 for the Kansas-Garrett connector

• $3 million for the Greater Ouachita Port and intermodal facility

In addition to these projects, I was proud to announce $5 million for the Alexandria International Airport back in the summer.

Improvements for our infrastructure systems do more than just provide us with smooth roads and navigable waters; these improvements to our infrastructure systems will prove to be a much needed economic stimulus for our area as well as Louisiana.

Congressional studies have shown that every dollar spent toward infrastructure projects often yields a three dollar return.

For every billion spent on infrastructure projects, other studies have shown that over 47,000 jobs are created.

Recently, the 5th District has had some positive economic news.

Last month, I was with Gov. Kathleen Blanco in Alexandria for Union Tank Car's ground breaking ceremony.

This company is projected to bring over 850 jobs to Central Louisiana, benefiting the 5th District tremendously.

But like all businesses, stable roads and infrastructure systems must be intact.

I'm confident that by improving our current roads and highways, the 5th District can continue to attract businesses like Union Tank Car.

As a member of the Transportation Committee, I will continue to fight for our infrastructure concerns here.

I firmly believe that one way toward improving the 5th District's economy is by first improving our infrastructure systems.

Improving our infrastructure systems is paramount, and one promise that I vow to keep as I continue to travel to and from Washington, D.C. each week is to continue to fight for every dollar possible for infrastructure projects in the 5th District.

Our residents and businesses deserve nothing less than having access to travel on the best roads and infrastructure systems possible.
U.S. Rep. Rodney Alexander, R-Quitman, represents the 5th Congressional District.

http://www.house.gov/alexander/improving.html