Congressman Salazar Gains 40% Increase in Highway Funds for Colorado

Salazar Earmarks $50 Million Plus for Third Congressional District, Rural Development

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman John T. Salazar (CO-3), the only Coloradan on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, successfully earmarked $52.million for highway development projects in rural Colorado, a nearly 40% increase in federal funds. Salazar’s efforts to increase rural development cleared the major hurdle last week, when Congress passed the Transportation Equity Act, the federal highway bill reauthorized every six years. Salazar will continue his efforts to fight for local projects, working across the aisle to make sure that the bill becomes law.

“As a Member of Congress, I have sworn to make sure Colorado receives its fair share of federal tax dollars,” said Salazar. “As the only Coloradoan on the Transportation Committee, I am working to improve access to rural areas and to make sure that our highways and passes are safe for everyone to use.”

Salazar’s earmarks combined community requests with the Colorado Department of Transportation’s priorities, including: $15 million for US-160, East of Wolf Creek Pass, $4 million for Dillon Drive Overpass, $7.5 million for US-50 State Line from Kansas to Pueblo, and $7.5 million for US-550 west side of Montrose.

“I will continue the fight to make sure that this money remains when the bill goes to Conference,” said Salazar. “This bill contains more than $2.8 billion dollars in funds for Colorado. By investing now, we save future problems. Nothing would make me happier than the President signing these rural development funds into law.”