WASHINGTON - Congressman Adam H. Putnam (FL-12) voted in support of H.R. 2989, the Transportation, Treasury and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act for FY 2004. The bill, approved by a margin of 381 to 39, provides more than $89.3 billion in total budgetary resources.

“This investment is of critical importance to the Central Florida area,” said Putnam. “I am pleased with the federal government’s continued involvement in these very important projects because these funds will go a long way to improving the quality of life for the 12th District of Florida and help meet our transportation challenges.”

“The FY 04 Transportation Appropriations Act provides sustained funding for several important 12th District projects.  These include continued funding for the Lakeland In-Town Bypass, which will assist in keeping pace with our region’s growth and the increased pressures on our transportation infrastructure.  The bill continues much-needed funds for the City of Winter Haven to support downtown community redevelopment initiatives and for continued construction of the Winter Haven Transit Terminal,” said Putnam.  “The transportation spending bill also provides significant funding for the Lakeland Area Citrus Connection, including special services for the disabled in Lakeland, Auburndale, Bartow, Mulberry, Eagle Lake and Lake Alfred.”

The following are district projects included in the bill:

Major Florida/District Projects -

• Lakeland In-Town Bypass - $400,000 in continued funding for the Lakeland In-Town Bypass aimed at providing a safer, more efficient means of access throughout the city and relieving traffic congestion caused by regional growth.

• Winter Haven Downtown Parking and Pedestrian Improvements - $100,000 to assist in support of downtown community redevelopment initiatives.

• Lakeland Area Citrus Connection - $1.25 million to provide for transit services, including special services for the disabled in Lakeland, Auburndale, Bartow, Mulberry, Eagle Lake and Lake Alfred.

• Winter Haven Transit Terminal - $800,000 for continued construction of a transit terminal to service interconnecting local and national transit systems.