HIGHWAY REAUTHORIZATION BILL -- 2009

Building a 21st Century Transportation System

An effective network of highways and bridges and a reliable transportation system is critical to the economic competitiveness and quality of life here in the 6th District. Workers depend on an effective transportation system to get to and from their jobs. Businesses rely on the system to deliver their goods to the marketplace. In addition, road construction and other projects create jobs that pay well for thousands of local engineers, small contractors and construction workers.

This year, Congress will start work on the Highway Reauthorization legislation. This process occurs approximately every five years. Congress will determine a formula for distributing highway and public transit funding to the states. Decisions also will be made on funding for major local projects.

As a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I will work diligently to make sure money is used efficiently and on projects that provide the maximum benefit to our communities. I also will make it clear to policymakers the importance of funding local projects in my district.

Accountability and transparency are also critical to this process. I am providing a list of the local projects that will be competing for federal funding in the comprehensive transportation funding plan. These are projects recommended by local transportation planners to improve our roads, bridges, public transit agencies and other infrastructure. It is important to keep in mind that the amount of funding requested represents the total cost of each project. The actual amount of the grants will be determined once funding formulas are established.

The complete list of projects seeking funding is available here.