News Release - Etheridge Secures Federal Funds for Harnett Co.

Etheridge Secures $700,000 for Harnett County Airport, $800,000 for US 401, $200,000 for Wastewater Treatment

RALEIGH - U.S. Rep. Bob Etheridge (D-Lillington) today announced that he has secured $700,000 in federal funds for the Harnett County Airport's runway and taxiway extension project. Etheridge also announced that he has secured $800,000 in federal funds for the widening of US 401 in Cumberland, Harnett and Wake counties and $200,000 for wastewater treatment upgrades in Harnett County. Etheridge has advocated for both these projects throughout the appropriations process.

"These projects are great news for our community!" Etheridge said. "These federal funds support transportation and infrastructure projects that will spur economic development in our communities and create jobs. The expansion of Harnett County's airport has been a major piece of the puzzle in attracting new businesses. The widening of US 401 could be the next step in economic development by easing the commute to Raleigh and Fayetteville. I will continue to work to provide federal support to boost our local economy."

The $700,000 for the airport will help complete the runway extension project. Etheridge also secured $1.7 million for the airport in last year's omnibus appropriations legislation and $3.1 million in 2002.

The $800,000 for US 401 will help fund study of and preparation for the widening of the roadway. Currently, only a few sections of this corridor have been widened, and the dramatic population growth in the area has resulted in a great deal of congestion and bottlenecks. A continuous multilane corridor would reduce congestion, and therefore pollution levels, as well as spur commercial development.

The $200,000 for wastewater treatment will be used to install pump stations and a forcemain as part of a central wastewater treatment rehabilitation project. This project will help the county to solve several serious issues with current water and sewer facilities as well as assist with new business recruitment to this area.

Federal funding for these projects was secured as part of the omnibus appropriations legislation for fiscal year 2005 that Congress passed this weekend. The President is expected to sign the bill into law.