WASHINGTON – Congressman Adam H. Putnam (FL-12), a member of the Rules and Budget Committees, today voted in support of the final Conference Report for H.R. 3, the Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users, sending the measure to the Senate and the President’s desk for approval.

“Today, we have passed a responsible transportation bill that will keep our people and products moving. Last year, nearly every Florida member of Congress, myself included, opposed transportation legislation that shortchanged the State of Florida,” said Putnam. “Our efforts paid off, and under this bill, Florida will receive a greater share of gasoline tax revenues.”

“The Conference Report for the Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (TEA-LU), which overwhelmingly passed the House of Representatives today by a vote of 412 - 8, authorizes $285.4 billion in guaranteed funding for the nation’s highways and transit systems over a six-year period,” said Putnam. “More importantly, this bill brings greater equity to Florida’s highway and transit infrastructure funding and provides vital transportation resources for the12th Congressional District.”

Florida has historically paid more in gasoline taxes to the Highway Trust fund than it receives in highway funding, making it a “donor” state. Under this legislation, Florida’s share will increase by over $2 billion dollars, or roughly 5 – 7%, over the next 6 years.

“The legislation also addresses central Florida’s growing transportation infrastructure needs by providing funding for key transportation projects identified by the community,” Putnam concluded.

The following are district projects included in the bill: 

Major Florida/District Projects –

•           Expansion of Hwy. 27 - $8 million

Needed lane widening on critical sections of U.S. Highway 27 to complete larger improvements in the State’s Transportation Plan. This project is a top priority of Polk County and the Polk Transportation Planning Organization, and is supported by the Tampa Bay Partnership and the West Central Florida Metropolitan Planning Organization.

•           Lakeland East-West Connector - $4 million

Construction of a roadway connection between US 98 and SR 563 (Harden Road), as existing roads are at over capacity. Will also reduce travel times on ancillary roads and improve emergency response capabilities to the area. This is a top priority for the City of Lakeland.

•           Temple Terrace Highway Modification/Pedestrian Project - $2.4 million

To assist in the larger redevelopment of downtown area by the city of Temple of Terrace into a pedestrian town center, by modifying main arterials with street expansion.

•           I-4 Crosstown Connector - $800,000

Would provide funds to facilitate construction of a connection between I-4 and Tampa Crosstown Connector.