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Congressman Ed Whitfield
On the Issues
Transportation Surface Transportation
Serving the Commonwealth’s largest Congressional district, I have worked to bring new and improved roads, bridges, and public transit to the First District. In 2005, my colleagues and I passed the Safe Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU), which authorizes the expenditure of highway trust fund dollars over the next six years. SAFETEA-LU will bring $3.2 billion in federal money to Kentucky, which is a 30 percent increase from the last transportation authorization bill. Included in this bill are funds for both Interstate 69 and Interstate 66. In addition, I have been able to secure funding for the Pennyrile Parkway extension to Interstate 24, which will help expedite commerce with the western Kentucky region. 

It is vital that we continue to develop our aging infrastructure to ensure that a tragedy similar to the bridge that collapsed in Minnesota never occurs again. Therefore, I am looking forward to the next transportation reauthorization package in order to address infrastructure issues across the Commonwealth.

Interstate 69
As a member of the Congressional I-69 caucus, I have worked to develop Interstate 69 because I realize the importance of this interstate to trade. I-69 accounts for over 63 percent of the nation's trade with Canada and Mexico. The trade linkage created by I-69 will enhance economic development and create zones of economic opportunity for all of Kentucky. The Corridor passing through the First District will run from Indianapolis, Indiana to Houston, Texas and is expected to create 27,000 jobs, add $11 billion in wages, produce $19 billion in added value, and create an $11 billion transportation efficiency benefit.

This spring, I was able to secure passage of legislation which officially designates the Edward T. Breathitt (Pennyrile) Parkway and the Wendell H. Ford (Western Kentucky) Parkway as Interstate 69. The newly designated interstate will run from Henderson to Madisonville on the Pennyrile Parkway and from Madisonville to Eddyville on the Western Kentucky Parkway.  

Waterborne Transportation
Kentucky’s waterways are essential to the Commonwealth’s economy, as the port system provides a cost-effective, environmentally friendly way to transport bulk products. The First District plays a vital role in the nation’s water transportation, as four major navigable rivers- the Mississippi, the Ohio, the Tennessee and the Cumberland - flow through or by the area. This important means of transportation facilitates transportation to the Gulf of Mexico for overseas trade and provides economic opportunities for all of Kentucky.

Two essential pieces to the waterborne infrastructure in Kentucky are the Kentucky Lock and Dam and Olmstead Lock and Dam, both of which are currently undergoing expansion by creating a completely new lock and dam at their facilities. The project at Kentucky Lock and Dam will have an average annual benefit of $70.7 million when completed, and the project is expected to be finished by 2013. Expanding Kentucky Lock will help protect hundreds of jobs and help ship products promptly to more than 23 other states. Olmstead Lock and Dam is also expanding to facilitate larger barges and reduce costly delays. I believe that a safe and efficient lock and dam system is essential to ensure our economy continues to thrive.

Aviation
Airports are an important tool for economic development and a vital link in transportation infrastructure. That is why I have worked to secure funding for improving general aviation and commercial airports throughout the First District. During my time in Congress, many airports throughout the First District, including Barkley Regional, Madisonville, Henderson City/County, Hanson, Marion/Crittenden, and Hopkinsville, have either extended runways and/or constructed additional facilities, such as fuel farms and terminals.

As a result of these efforts and nearly $50 million in federal funds over the past several years, our airports are expanding their operations and providing residents and visitors with improved facilities and more flying options throughout the First District.

I will continue to work with my colleagues in Congress to continue funding for airport improvement programs.

Useful Links

www.dot.gov
www.usace.army.mil/
http://transportation.ky.gov/
www.faa.gov

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