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July 29, 2005
Hayworth District's Transportation Priorities Big Winners In Latest Authorization Bill
Congressman Steers 'Earmarked' Funds Back Home To AZ
WASHINGTON- Motorists in U.S. Rep. J.D. Hayworth's congressional district paying 18.4 cents per gallon in federal gasoline taxes on top of soaring fuel prices are going to get some of that money back through the transportation spending plan approved today in the House by a vote of 412-8.
Rep. Hayworth was able to earmark millions of dollars in the bill for specific projects in his district, as requested by local elected officials and state transportation officials. Among them:
- $3.2 million for the design, right-of-way acquisition, and construction of an I-10 widening project from 40th Street to Baseline in Maricopa County;
- $2.4 million for the design and construction of the Rio Salado Pedestrian Bridge in Tempe;
- $2.09 million to plan design and construct a transit passenger center in Scottsdale to serve the new ASU Scottsdale Center for New Technology and Innovation at the intersection of Scottsdale and McDowell roads;
- $5.4 million over four years to construct the East Valley Metro Bus facility in Tempe; and
- $434.4 million through 2009 for the Central Phoenix/East Valley Light Rail Transit Project.
"The vitality of our region's economy is linked directly to the expansion of our transportation network," Congressman Hayworth said. "These projects add vital links to that network and ensure the continued growth and well-being of the people, businesses, and communities they serve."
In addition to earmarked projects in some other Arizona congressional districts, the bill authorizes $41.3 million for other Arizona Department of Transportation priority projects. The legislation provides $286.5 billion of funding for the Federal highway programs through fiscal year 2009.
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