Heller's I-11 Extension Passes House Committee

Press Release

Today, the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure (T&I) passed H.R. 3763, the Surface Transportation Reauthorization and Reform Act of 2015 (The STRR Act). Included in this legislation was Senator Heller's bill to extend the future Interstate 11 (I-11) from Las Vegas through the State of Nevada to Interstate 80 (I-80). U.S. Representatives Cresent Hardy (R-NV04) and Dina Titus (D-NV01), both members of the T & I Committee, worked with Senator Heller on this legislation, which is now one step closer to hitting President Obama's desk to be signed in to law. Following committee passage, Heller offered this statement:

"First and foremost, I would like to commend Representatives Hardy and Titus for their tireless effort to ensure I-11 was included in the House highway bill. Our delegation has a long history of working together on Nevada priorities, and today's committee passage proves collaboration -- in both chambers and across party lines -- is a recipe for success," said Senator Dean Heller. "No doubt, Nevada will reap the economic benefits of the I-11 extension for years to come, and I am grateful we are one step closer to pushing it over the finish line."

Background:

Heller's legislation, introduced in March, ensures the future I-11 is connected to Northern Nevada, giving it a key role as an international trade route. Specifically, the Intermountain West Corridor Development Act of 2015 (S. 842) provides both Arizona's and Nevada's Departments of Transportation the flexibility to develop a Northern Nevada connectivity corridor and a Southern Arizona connectivity corridor as part of the I-11 effort. This full north-to-south, Canada-to-Mexico interstate system is critical for our nation's mobility, economy, and national defense.

In July, the U.S. Senate passed S. 842 as part of the Highway Bill, otherwise known as the Developing a Reliable and Innovative Vision for the Economy Act (DRIVE Act), with Senator Heller's support.

Last year, Senator Heller urged Department of Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx to support the designation of I-11 from Las Vegas to Northern Nevada. In response, Secretary Foxx committed to working with Heller to help secure this designation.

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