For Immediate Release:

Thursday, July 20, 2006

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-Wash) announced that she has secured over $2.8 million for transportation, housing and economic development priorities throughout northwest Washington state. The funding has been included as part of the Transportation, Treasury, Judiciary Housing and Urban Development (TTHUD) Appropriations bill. Senator Murray is the highest ranking Democrat on the TTHUD Appropriations Subcommittee.

"The investments made in this bill give southwest Washington communities the fiscal tools to address their transportation, housing and quality of life concerns," said Senator Murray. "While the federal budget continues to be squeezed, I have continued to fight for investments to be made here at home. Today, I am proud to see that those efforts have paid off and will benefit programs and people in southwest Washington."

"This is terrific news. Major improvements are critical not only for people who live, work, and do business in Clark County," said Marc Boldt, chair of the Board of County Commissioners. "They are also essential to keep people and freight moving throughout western Washington. We applaud everything Senator Murray has done to bring federal funding to this effort."

Funding for southwest Washington projects includes:

Clark County I-5/I-205 Salmon Creek Interchange Project -- $2 million

This funding will support efforts by Clark County to build a new I-5 interchange at NE 139th and make other road improvements throughout the NE 134th Street/I-5/I-205 corridor in the northern urban area of Clark County. This project will alleviate congestion and improve safety.

Maritime Fire and Safety Association, Columbia River -- $485,000

MFSA provides safety and security training and services to first responders along the Columbia River. The funding secured by Senator Murray will be used to upgrade their communications and emergency rescue capability. Senator Murray secured $925,000 for this project in previous years.

Pacific Transit Vehicle Replacement -- $210,000

This funding will enable Pacific Transit to purchase 1 new vehicle to support rural mobility needs.

Twin Transit (serving the cities of Centralia and Chehalis) Vehicle Acquisition -- $175,000

This funding will enable Lewis County’s Twin Transit to purchase 3 new vehicles to support rural mobility needs.