Funding for I-5 improvements around JBLM included in FY 2016 National Defense Authorization Act

Press Release

Today the House of Representatives passed the Fiscal Year 2016 National Defense Authorization Act, which included an amendment that would provide funding for roads in urban areas around military installations such as Interstate 5 near Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

The amendment from Rep. Denny Heck (D-Wash.) and Rep. Don Beyer (D-Va.) authorizes $25 million to be made available through the Office of Economic Adjustment for "transportation infrastructure improvements associated with congestion mitigation in urban areas related to recommendations of the 2005 Defense Base Closure and Realignment Commission."

"We all hate traffic. But when traffic affects our military's ability to get to base, do the job, and be ready for anything, we must do more," Heck said. "This proposal creates a more streamlined, competitive grant program for the construction of transportation improvements in military communities like ours."

In 2014, Rep. Denny Heck introduced the COMMUTE Act to provide a more streamlined process for military installations facing traffic jams around the country.

"Combined with a comprehensive state plan to complete SR-167 and improve I-5 around JBLM, a strong plan to provide federal revenue will bring our transportation network up to speed with our state's needs," Heck said. "In addition to this common-sense amendment, it is time to restore long-term certainty to the Highway Trust Fund, create more good paying jobs, and build infrastructure worthy of the 21st century."

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