(Washington, D.C.)  Congresswoman Cathy McMorris (WA-05) today voted in support H.R. 3 The Transportation Equity Act, which will now be sent to the President to be signed into law. Based on combined efforts of the House and the Senate, the bill includes funding for nine transportation projects in Eastern Washington. The bill reauthorizes the federal highway, public transportation, highway safety, and motor carrier safety programs for six years, from fiscal year 2004 -2009. The projects include:

• U.S. 395 North Spokane Corridor - $6,640,000
• U.S. 12 Burbank to Walla Walla Lane Widening - $5,940,000
• I-90, Spokane to Idaho State Line Widening - $9,940,000
• Fleshman Way/State Route 129 Interchange Improvements Project - $840,000
• Bridging the Valley: Development of highway-rail crossings in Spokane County, WA and Kootenai County, ID - $800,000
• Spokane Advanced Traffic Management System Expansion - $440,000
• Riverside Avenue Improvements, Spokane - $2,500,000
• Toroda Creek Road Improvements, Ferry County - $1,650,000
• Toroda Creek Road Improvements, Okanogan County - $850,000

"Our transportation infrastructure is vital to the economic stability and growth of our region,¨ said McMorris. "Improving the flow of traffic, expanding our highways to transport products grown and made in our region, and providing better conditions to make our roads safer are all benefits of these projects."

State Transportation Secretary Doug MacDonald commented that "Congresswoman McMorris' has spent many hours working with community and business leaders across eastern Washington to identify and prioritize funding for projects that will make a positive difference for travelers. These projects are also critical to boosting Washington's economic development by keeping our goods and products moving efficiently to markets in the state and across the nation."

Community leaders throughout the region have been anxiously awaiting this reauthorization bill and believe it will help ensure economic growth.