Rockefeller Touts Broad New Benefits for WV in New Highway Bill

Press Release

Senator Jay Rockefeller, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, today unveiled a broad and detailed list of benefits for West Virginia coming in the next three years. The investments are part of the recently passed highway transportation bill which has provisions that will create jobs for highway workers in West Virginia and bring Corridor H one step closer to reality.

Rockefeller, who was on a conference committee that negotiated differences between Senate and House versions of a landmark highway reauthorization bill, today outlined the funding levels for programs in West Virginia.

"It's no secret that federal budgets are getting tighter and tighter, but I'm thrilled my colleagues recognized the need for an improved transportation infrastructure for West Virginia," Rockefeller said.

"Not only did we affirm that the Appalachian Highway Development System--and, by extension, Corridor H--is a national priority, we included major provisions to improve safety while giving West Virginia certainty to move forward with needed road projects.

"I can't stress how important this highway bill is for West Virginia."," Rockefeller said.

West Virginia is authorized to receive highway funding of $423.3 million for fiscal year 2012; $423.3 million for fiscal year 2013; and $426.9 million for fiscal year 2014.

The two-year bipartisan bill makes landmark reforms by modernizing the nation's surface transportation programs while improving safety. Since 2009, federal surface transportation programs have operated under a series of short-term extensions.

Under the plan, the Appalachian Regional Commission estimates that nationally the transportation bill will free up $2.1 billion for the Appalachian Highway Development System.

The only remaining portion of ADHS that is still incomplete is Corridor H.

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