Congressman Salazar Fights for Rural Development Funds

Salazar Urges Support of Transportation Equity Act

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman John Salazar (CO-3) today encouraged his colleagues to support the Transportation Equity Act, which will provide much needed funds for development programs in rural Colorado. The following is the text of Salazar’s remarks as prepared for the Floor of the U.S. House of Representatives:

“I rise today in support of the Transportation Equity Act and urge for swift passage of the measure. 

“Over the past couple of months, I have visited with folks from across the 3rd district of Colorado. From Grand Junction to down south in Durango and Pueblo, it is clear that rural America cannot afford to wait any longer.

“For too long, Coloradoans have put more money into the Highway Trust Fund than we have gotten out of it. As a Member of Congress, I have sworn to make sure Colorado receives its fair share of federal tax dollars.

“I am pleased with the process that has been made on the rate of return issue. And I thank the Chairman Young and Ranking Member for coming to compromise on this important issue.

“This funding is necessary to invest back into our own infrastructure. Increased truck traffic along I-70 and I-25 in my district has put additional strain on infrastructure already at capacity and in need of improvement.

“Many of us view TEA-LU as an investment, as a stimulus for economic development. We agree that we should have had higher level of funding. But the reality of budget constraints have hit hard.  Rural communities have suffered the most.

“This legislation is a fair solution, a compromise with a total of $283.9 billion in guaranteed funding – a 42 percent increase over the previous bill. With this new funding, we will create and protect millions of U.S. jobs within the transportation sector and related industries.

“It will allow us to direct critical resources to improve highways, roadways and other forms of transit.
In Colorado alone, nearly 75% of the current interstate system was built before 1970. But our population has increased 37% this past decade and we are projected to increase another 35% by 2020.

“Now is the time for us to start investing in the infrastructure that will support this growth.

“TEA-LU is a bill that will touch people at all levels – it is about connecting communities.  It about ensuring that trade flows across the country and benefits rural economies.

“I urge my colleagues to support development of rural America and passage of this bill.”