FUNDING INCLUDED IN JOINT HOUSE AND SENATE VERSION OF H.R. 3, THE TRANSPORTATION EQUITY ACT

Washington, Jul 29, 2005 - "Florida is one of the fastest growing states in the nation; our transportation infrastructure must keep pace with our expanding population," said Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Ocala). "I am pleased to join in approving H.R. 3, the Transportation Equity Act, and I am grateful that the five projects for which I sought funding are receiving a total of $12,908,000. These projects will help the driving public and those who use public transportation, reducing waiting time and clearing traffic congestion."

H.R. 3 includes funding for five projects championed by Stearns:

$2.58 million for SunTran to purchase seven replacement buses over four years serving Marion County;

$2.4 million for construction of a paved road over existing unpaved roadway on SE 144th Avenue from SR 100 to US 301 in Bradford County;

$2.4 million for construction of a four-lane highway around Jacksonville connecting US 1 to Route 9A;

$4 million to link I-95 to I-10 through Clay County with terminus points SR 23 to CAR 739B (Outer Beltway); and

$1.6 million to construct roadway on an urban arterial connector in Gainesville from southern end of SW 62 Blvd. to SW 24th Ave, and SW 34th St. to SW Archer Rd.