Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users
TRANSPORTATION EQUITY ACT: A LEGACY FOR USERS -- (House of Representatives - March 09, 2005)
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Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time, and I rise today in strong support of H.R. 3. This is a jobs bill, a security bill and, most importantly, a lifesaving bill.
Unlike his predecessor, Chairman Young has not had the luxury of a new revenue stream to address the challenge of negotiating a new formula and numerous priorities. It has been a tough job, but I applaud the Chairman's tenacity and that of the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Oberstar) and the others on the committee leading to what I think is an excellent product.
I am pleased to say that Kentucky will be receiving a fairer share and more funding to address our substantial needs, and for that, I am very grateful. I would also like to thank Chairman Young for including $35 million to continue work on the Interstate 66 projects in Kentucky, a vital national east-west corridor.
The eventual and inevitable completion of I-66 will create a seamless and safer expressway from the coal beds of West Virginia to the corn fields of Missouri. I-66 will fill gaps in our national highway system and open up commerce to the Appalachian areas. Most importantly, this route will reduce the dangers of everyday travel for my constituents and the increasing number of visitors to the mountains in my district.
Finally, I want to thank the committee for continuing our commitment to the Appalachian Development Highway System. The benefits of this road development program to communities in my district cannot be understated. Communities have been reborn, businesses started, and health care received because of this investment. Over $2 billion will be invested to a commitment made to the Appalachian communities over 40 years ago, and I thank the committee for including these monies, especially for the Appalachian region.
This is a good bill, Mr. Chairman. I urge all my colleagues to support this legislation and let us get on with it.
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