Washington,
Jul 29, 2005 -
WASHINGTON — More than $38 million was set aside for 6th Congressional District projects in the $286.5 billion transportation reauthorization legislation supported by Rep. Jim Gerlach that passed the House of Representatives Friday morning.
“I’m proud to join an overwhelming bipartisan majority in supporting the adoption of this important transportation funding bill,” said Rep. Gerlach. “It’s been a long time coming, but finally, many of these important projects in my District and throughout the country will get the funding needed to move forward. Our actions today will improve the conditions of our roads and fund the busses and trains people rely on every day. This money will also help fuel the job market, as it’s estimated that 47,000 new jobs are created for every $1 billion in transportation funding we set aside.”
The Conference Report for HR 3, the Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy For Users, passed by the House Friday by 412 to 8 margin. The funding bill provides $286.5 billion in federal highway, transit and road safety funding through 2009.
Rep. Gerlach secured $12,504,000 for the following Berks County projects:
• $1.28 million for the replacement of the Blair Creek Bridge in Longswamp Township.
• $2.4 million for the restoration of a three-mile stretch of I-176 in Cumru and Robeson townships.
• $2.28 million for the restoration of Route 222 in Maxatawny and Richmond townships.
• $1.944 million for improvements to the intersection of Route 422 and Route 662.
• $1.2 million for the extension of River Road in Reading to provide access to area industrial and brownsfields sites.
• $2.6 million for the widening and expansion of Route 10 in New Morgan Township.
• $800,000 for the restoration of Route 422 between the West Shore Bypass to West Wyomissing in West Lawn, Wyomissing, Wyomissing Hill and Spring Townships.
Rep. Gerlach secured more than $10.42 million for the following Montgomery County projects:
• $9.62 million for the extension for Lafayette Street in Norristown and connection with the Pennsylvania Turnpike.
• $800,000 for improvements to Plank, Otts, Meyers and Seitz roads.
In the legislation, Rep. Gerlach secured $15,639,200 for the following Chester County projects:
• $5 million for the construction of the French Creek Parkway in Phoenixville.
• $1,319,200 for the realignment of the intersection of King of Prussia and Upper Gulph Mills roads in Tredyffrin Township.
• $4 million to alleviate traffic congestion on Route 100 in Ludwig’s Corner by constructing two through-lanes between Blackhorse Road and Horseshoe Trial Road.
• $484,000 for renovation and modernization of the intersection of Routes 322 and 10 in Honey Brook.
• $836,000 for road improvements near the transportation center in Paoli.
• $4 million for the reconstruction of Route 30 near Route 10 outside of Coatesville.
HR 3 also authorizes the Schuylkill Valley Metro project for final design and construction funding for fiscal years through 2009. This means that proponents of the proposed Metro can continue to work toward restoring passenger rail service along the Route 422 corridor.
“Construction of the Schuylkill Valley Metro has and will continue to be one of my top priorities in Congress,” Rep. Gerlach said. “This is a project that will help ease traffic congestion on our overburdened roads and spur revitalization efforts in our older towns and boroughs. I look forward to working with Pennsylvania transportation officials and the Federal Transit Administration to move this project along.”
