House Passes Federal Highway and Transit Bill

House Passes Federal Highway and Transit Bill
Legislation Includes Necessary Investments In West Michigan Roads

Washington, Jul 29 - U.S. Rep. Pete Hoekstra, R-Holland, today voted in favor of the conference report for H.R. 3, the Transportation Equity Act - A Legacy for Users (TEA-LU). TEA-LU will provide Michigan with a more equitable share of federal road dollars, including $42.4 million for road projects in Michigan's Second Congressional District.

"The rate of return on dollars contributed to the federal Highway Trust Fund is an improvement for the state of Michigan over the previous transportation bill," said Hoekstra, who helped negotiate the final legislative package in the conference committee. "Michigan will receive a more equitable share of road dollars that better reflects its strategic position in the national transportation system."

Michigan will receive an average increase of $240 million a year in transportation funding under H.R. 3, a total of $6.7 billion over six years. This represents a more than 27% increase over TEA-21 levels (Current law).

Michigan will receive a 92 percent rate of return on money contributed to the Highway Trust Fund through federal fuel taxes, an increase over the 90.5 percent rate of return in the previous transportation bill.

"Good roads help to create good jobs," Hoekstra said. "A safe and efficient transportation system supports economic development and will help Michigan remain competitive in the global marketplace."

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http://hoekstra.house.gov/News/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=31832