$2.3 million in federal money one step closer to Southern Arizona
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords announced today that five Southern Arizona transportation and law enforcement projects are a step closer to receiving $2.3 million in federal funding.
"The 110th Congress has made fiscal discipline a top priority,” said Giffords. “While federal dollars are scarce, I am pleased my colleagues recognized the importance of these projects to my constituents in Southern Arizona."
Earlier this year, Giffords requested $15 million for two transportation projects and $4.25 million for three law enforcement projects. Today, the House Appropriations Committee agreed to allocate $1.65 million to the transportation projects and $650,000 to the law enforcement projects. The funding is part of two appropriations bills - Commerce, Justice and Science and Transportation, Housing and Urban Development. They now go before the full House of Representatives.
A list of the institutions and the appropriations is below.
Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies
Houghton Road Corridor Bridge Replacement, Tucson AZ
Requested: $5,000,000
Appropriated: $650,000
This request is for funds to design and construct a replacement bridge to accommodate four lanes of traffic and the additions of pedestrian and bicycle facilities along the Houghton Road Corridor, which is the primary route for distributing traffic in one of the fastest growing areas of metropolitan Tucson.
Tucson Buses and Bus Maintenance Facility
Requested: $10,000,000
Appropriated: $1,000,000
This request is for funds to purchase cleaner-burning fuel replacement buses and upgrade the bus maintenance facility. Also requested by U.S. Rep. Raul Grijalva.
Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies
Interoperable Communications
Requested: $2,000,000
Appropriated: $400,000
This request is for funds to purchase new radios and other interoperable communications equipment for the first responders in Pima County, which will allow the different agencies to communicate during an emergency. Also requested by U.S. Rep. Raul Grijalva.
Tucson Finger Imaging System Upgrade
Requested: $1,500,000
Appropriated: $100,000
This request is for funds to pay for equipment for Arizona's Automated Finger Imaging System, providing law enforcement with rapid access to an electronic, statewide fingerprint database, and the ability to implement rapid identification programs in the field. Also requested by U.S. Rep. Raul Grijalva.
Tucson Methamphetamine Education Program
Requested: $750,000
Appropriated: $150,000
This request is for funds to support efforts of the Counter Narcotics Alliance (CNA), a coalition of local, state and federal law enforcement agencies, to combat a serious and growing Methamphetamine problem in Tucson and the surrounding areas. Also requested by U.S. Rep. Raul Grijalva.