Congressman Vela Announces House Passage of H.R. 3684, the INVEST in America Act

Press Release

Washington, D.C. -- Today, Congressman Filemon Vela (TX-34), announced that H.R. 3684, the Investing in a New Vision for the Environment and Surface Transportation (INVEST) in America Act successfully passed the U.S. House of Representatives with bipartisan support. The legislation includes four transportation and infrastructure projects from the 34th Congressional District of Texas which were selected for a total of $17,291,529 in funding.

The INVEST in America Act is a five-year, $715 billion surface transportation and water infrastructure bill that directs federal investments in roads, bridges, transit, rail, and clean water programs. The legislation passed out of the U.S. House of Representatives today and is one step closer to the President's desk.

"Revitalizing our nation's infrastructure is a necessary investment that will improve America's productivity and long-term growth," said Congressman Filemon Vela. "I am proud to have championed these projects, and would like to thank my colleagues on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee for their careful consideration of all project submissions. The INVEST in America Act is a historic investment in our nation's infrastructure that will have a direct impact on the 34th Congressional District of Texas. Funding for these projects will not only create jobs, but also bolster the economic development of the region. It was an honor to support this legislation on the House floor today, and I look forward to its immediate consideration and passage by my Senate colleagues."

Descriptions of the projects included in the legislation are below:

IH 69E (Lyford and Sebastian) -- $3,500,000
This project will upgrade the controlled access freeway to Interstate Highway Design Standards by expanding I69E from four to six lanes.
The International Bridge Trade Corridor (IBTC) (Donna and Alamo) -- $3,500,000
The project is located from 365 Toll and FM 493 to IH 2, in Donna and Alamo. The funding is designated for the construction of a non-tolled four lane divided (at grade) highway (interim). The facility will provide access to IH -2 for three land ports of entry (Pharr, Donna and Progreso International Bridges).
SH 550 (Brownsville) -- $3,791,529
The funding is designated for The SH 550 Gap II, which is the final Gap Project in the completion of the SH 550 from I-69E to the Port of Brownsville. When completed SH550/I-69 will connect the Port of Brownsville to I-69E. The Port of Brownsville is the only deep-water port in Texas without a direct connection to the Interstate System. This project will help ease traffic, improve safety, and facilitate domestic and international trade.

South Parallel Corridor Phase III (San Benito) -- $6,500,000
The funding is designated for the construction of South Parallel Corridor Phase III which is part of a larger 10mi corridor from I-2 at Dixieland Rd to FM 1577. The project will alleviate congestion along Interstate 2 by creating a link between larger cities and rural surrounding areas. This project will provide connectivity between the interstate in Harlingen to rural Cameron County to assist with safety and mobility in the region.

Source