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Federal Funds Will Support I-5 Improvements

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Washington, Dec 13, 2011 - Congressman Smith is pleased by the recent announcement that the U.S. Department of Transportation will award the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) a $15 million grant to alleviate traffic congestion around the I-5 corridor surrounding Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

The TIGER Grant program invests in transportation and infrastructure projects that achieve critical national objectives. The grant awarded to WSDOT will support the Interstate 5-JBLM Area Congestion Management Project that will improve traffic flow, traffic management, driver safety, and increase our region’s economic competitiveness by further developing a critical freight corridor.

In October, Congressman Smith and Congressman Norm Dicks sent a letter to Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood in support of the state’s project. Both Congressmen have also worked with Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell to advocate for federal funds to support infrastructure improvements within the Puget Sound region.

“This grant will help make critical improvements to an area where significant growth has led to increased traffic and congestion,” said Congressman Smith. “I’m glad the U.S. Department of Transportation recognizes how important development in this area is to our local and national economy.” For more information on TIGER grant program, visit the Washington Department of Transportation.