WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, the House of Representatives approved the reauthorization of the Transportation Equity Act (TEA), which sets federal funding levels for highway and transit projects nationwide.  As a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Third District Congressman Jon Porter was able to secure $85.5 in funding for surface transportation projects in Southern Nevada as part of the legislation.  Upon Senate approval, the bill will go to the President for his signature.

“Rapid population growth in Southern Nevada calls for rapid expansion and development of our highways and roadways, which is why this funding is so important” said Porter.  “In addition, more infrastructure dollars in Southern Nevada means more jobs and opportunities for hard-working Nevadans.”

Porter ensured that $41 million would go to Southern Nevada to begin or improve the following High-Priority Projects:

• Boulder City Bypass, Boulder City—$8 million to connect the Hoover Bypass to US Route 93/95/515
• Starr Interchange, Henderson—$8 million to provide Interstate access to a West Henderson master planned community
• Cactus Avenue Interchange, Henderson—$8 million to ease congestion and safety concerns due largely to incredible growth rates in the area
• Horse Interchange, Las Vegas—$4.8 million to improve access to rapidly developing Northwest Las Vegas and a connection to and across US Route 95
• Las Vegas Beltway/Airport Connector Interchange—$3.2 million to modify low speed loop ramps to decrease congestion at McCarran International Airport
• Lake Mead Parkway, Henderson—$2.4 million for the construction of an overpass and roadway improvements at the entrance of Lake Las Vegas and Lake Mead Parkway
• Lake Mead Parkway, Henderson—$2 million for transportation improvements on Lake Mead Parkway
• Laughlin-Bullhead City Bridge, Laughlin—$1.6 million for a new bridge crossing the Colorado River to increase safety and decrease traffic delays
• Laughlin-Bullhead City Bridge, Laughlin—$3 million for transportation improvements on Laughlin-Bullhead City Bridge

Porter also ensured that $44.5 million would go to the following Transportation Improvement Projects:

• Hoover Dam Bypass-Boulder City Extension—$26.5 million
• Laughlin-Bullhead City Bridge, Laughlin—$18 million

Additionally, the Drug Impaired Driving provision authored by Porter to combat drugged driving was included in the legislation.

“Every year, millions of people operate motor vehicles while under the influence of illegal drugs.  The consequences of their actions are simply too great too ignore.  We need to address this problem at the national level, and the inclusion of my provision in the transportation bill is a step in the right direction,” Porter stated.

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