Wicker Lists Transportation Bill Among Key Accomplishments
WICKER LISTS TRANSPORTATION BILL AMONG KEY ACCOMPLISHMENTS
By Congressman Roger F. Wicker
August 15, 2005
Congress adjourned for the summer district work period after passing a trio of major bills aimed at creating jobs and stimulating an already surging economy. In the busy and productive final days of July, sweeping measures were approved to strengthen the nation's transportation system, launch a comprehensive energy policy, and expand U. S. exports to Latin America.
In addition to the Central American Free Trade Agreement, the House of Representatives approved another trade measure that would authorize action to combat unfair trade practices by China that have hurt U.S. manufacturers. Both Houses have also passed versions of the USA Patriot Act. I hope we can resolve differences in those bills in early September and keep in place this important law enforcement tool in the war on terrorism.
SAFER TRAVEL, MORE JOBS
The transportation reauthorization bill will produce significant benefits throughout the state of Mississippi. In addition to making travel safer and more convenient, major construction projects will create jobs and boost economic development opportunities.
More than $21 million in upgrades along U. S. Highway 78 will bring it closer to meeting interstate standards and qualifying the roadway for designation as Interstate 22. The highway will officially become I-22 when it is linked to another interstate highway to the east or west. This initiative takes on added significance as economic developers in north Mississippi step up efforts to market the Wellspring Project in Pontotoc, Lee, and Union Counties as a potential automobile manufacturing megasite. One of the key criteria for attracting major manufacturing companies is proximity to an interstate highway.
ADVANCING INTERSTATE 69
Construction on that interstate link to the west got a boost with more than $105 million for Interstate 69 in Mississippi. The new highway will connect Canada to Mexico and will run through sections of Marshall and DeSoto Counties. Senators Thad Cochran, Trent Lott, and I were fortunate to secure this level of funding to advance work on such an important new roadway through the heartland of America.
Two other key DeSoto County projects were contained in the bill, including $5 million for Star Landing Road at the new Interstate 55 interchange connecting Getwell Road and Tulane Road. Another $28 million will go to continue widening I-55 in Desoto County.
Four-laning Highway 6 between Pontotoc and Tupelo will stay on track with a $2.4 million designation, and $5.1 million each year from the Appalachian Developmental Highway Program. Work will continue on the Highway 45 bypass in Columbus with another $2.4 million for this much-needed project to ease traffic congestion and tap new development potential in the Golden Triangle.
NATION'S ECONOMY GROWING
The nation's economy has grown for 15 straight quarters now, unemployment is at its lowest level since September 2001, and increased government revenues have cut the 2005 federal budget deficit forecast by $100 billion. Congressional action on these far-reaching measures will continue the momentum that has the economy speeding in the right direction.
http://www.house.gov/wicker/ListTrans.htm