Improving The Quality Of Life For Texans

Statement

In the past 25 years, the US 290 Corridor has experienced considerable growth. Population has increased by 57% and road usage has skyrocketed by 95%. State road capacity, however, only grew by 8%. Over the next 25 years, the population in the corridor is expected to increase by an additional 64% and road usage is expected to increase 214%. The chronically congested 290 Corridor is facing serious problems.

Given these staggering numbers, today I am requesting $267 million for the US 290 Corridor to relieve congestion and improve the quality of life for Texans. With $227 million designated for the US 290 Corridor Expansion Project and $40 million for the Hempstead Commuter Rail, Texans can look forward to more time at home with their families and less time on the road.

In addition to reduced travel time, these funds will create over 50,000 jobs, attract new businesses to Houston, ensure that the air we breath is cleaner, and expand a vital hurricane evacuation route.

Members of the Houston Community agree this request is an absolute necessity:

Ed Emmett - Harris County Judge: "Commuter rail is a necessary part of solving the congestion problems in the 290/Hempstead corridor. I appreciate Congressman Culberson's leadership in addressing this priority for Harris County residents."

Reginald Lillie - Chairman of the Board of Directors, Cy-Fair Chamber of Commerce: "I want to offer my very strong support for Congressman Culberson's request in the highway reauthorization bill for $267 million for the reconstruction of Hwy 290 and the $ 40 million for commuter rail along Hwy 290 also. These two projects are critically important to the mobility and economic development of Cy-Fair/ NW Houston, Waller and Prairie View communities. This is proof of his commitment and willingness to use every means within his Congressional capacity to bring relief of a major mobility burden and the possibility of expanded economic development to the residents and businesses of these communities."

Barbara Thomason - President, Houston Northwest Chamber of Commerce: "This is an extremely important corridor for northwest Harris County and one that has grown increasingly glutted in recent years from traffic resulting from the sheer growth of neighborhoods and business expansions. Without the influx of funding that could bring commuter rail and highway improvements to this corridor, we will quickly see the deterioration of this corridor. We see this as a critical, narrow window of time in which to act. We must be as proactive as possible so that our sprawling communities can have the infrastructure they need to maintain their economic health."

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