Washington, Mar 24, 2004 - The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee today unanimously passed the Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (TEA-LU). Representative Steve Pearce (R-NM), a committee member and original cosponsor of the Act, today said this legislation is "profoundly important" to economic development, job creation, infrastructure, safety and congestion relief.

TEA-LU designates $275 billion through fiscal year 2009, including nearly $2 Billion for New Mexico's transportation infrastructure.

Congressman Pearce stressed the importance of these federal monies and the role they will play in helping to lay the groundwork for economic development in his congressional district. "Without the Transportation Equity Act, it is difficult, if not impossible, for Southern New Mexico to grow economically. A lack of roads impair our economy by preventing the movement of goods and people which creates jobs." Pearce added TEA-LU will protect existing U.S. jobs in the transportation sector and related industries, and is expected to create and sustain nearly 1 million new jobs by the infrastructure funding nationwide.

"I am pleased the bill received overwhelming support in the committee, and I am confident that it will pass when it is considered by the House," Pearce added. TEA-LU is expected to be considered by the full House next week.

Major Components of TEA-LU Include:

Coordinated Border Infrastructure Program: A new formula program targeted at States with international land border that will improve the safe movement of motor vehicles at or across the borders between U.S. and Canada or U.S. and Mexico.

High Risk Rural Road Safety Improvement Program: A new program for construction and operational improvement on high risk rural roads.

Border Enforcement Grants: Grant program for State enforcement activities at the Canadian and Mexican borders.

Rep. Pearce was able to secure funding for the following projects:

Ø $10 Million to construct the four lane expansion of U.S. 62/180 from Carlsbad, New Mexico to Texas State line;

Ø $6 Million to construct N.M. 128 from N.M. 31 to Texas State line;

Ø $11 Million to construct the two lane enhancement of U.S. 54 from Tularosa to Santa Rosa, New Mexico;

Ø $7 Million to construct the N.M. 524 South truck bypass in Carlsbad, New Mexico;

Ø $5 Million to construct Sunland Park Road in Sunland Park, New Mexico;

Ø $5 Million to construct Fairgrounds Road in Alamogordo, New Mexico;

Ø $1 Million to conduct the development of a transportation access plan for Santa Teresa, New Mexico.

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