For Immediate Release:

Wednesday, July 24, 2002

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – Senator Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee, announced today that she has secured important federal funding for Southwest Washington's transportation projects in the fiscal year 2003 transportation spending bill.

The funding will address critical infrastructure needs throughout the region, including bridges, busses, airports and transit facilities.

In addition to the earmarked funding, Washington state will also receive hundreds of millions of dollars in federal highway and transit formula funding. Washington state will receive $510 million in Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) grants and $101 million in Federal Transit Administration (FTA) grants to address transportation issues across the state.

"I am proud to have helped direct federal funding to Southwest Washington and Washington state in this year's transportation bill," Senator Murray said. "Our region's economy is facing tough times and we must do all that we can to keep jobs and business in Southwest Washington. This increased funding will help ease congestion, reduce emissions, and increase public safety, and will go a long way to improving the quality of life and increasing economic prosperity for the region."

Transportation earmarks for Southwest Washington:

Small Bus System Grant - Pacific Transit - $96,000

This funding will replace two 25-foot buses. Replacing these vehicles with new models is critical to reducing emissions and pollutants and increasing safety.

Cowlitz/Whahkiakum Counties, Lexington Bridge Project - $7.5 million

This funding will help construct a bridge that crosses the Cowlitz River between Interstate 5 at milepost 42 and the Sparks Drive/State Route 411 (SR 411) intersection in the Lexington area that is north of the cities of Kelso and Longview.