PRESS RELEASES
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Jenni Terry, 202-225-8490
July 19, 2007
Alexander Announces Earmarks for 5th District Transportation Projects
Washington, D.C. –U.S. Rep. Rodney Alexander, R-Quitman, today announced the following earmarks have been included in the House Appropriations Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Subcommittee appropriations bill (T-HUD).
Alexander, a member of the House Appropriations Committee, worked to secure the following projects:
● Greater Port of Ouachita and Intermodal Facility $500,000
This project includes the design, construction and operation of a new intermodal container-handling facility on the Ouachita River. Currently, the Ouachita region is without a container dock or intermodal or container transport facilities. Developing one in this area would significantly enhance the local economy by enabling existing businesses to handle and move containers through multiple transportation modes.
● Monroe Regional Airport: New Terminal $400,000
The Monroe Regional Airport received an earmark in the amount of $400,000 to begin construction of a new terminal to handle the increased passenger load, improve security and energy efficiency, and allow for future expansion.
● Lincoln Parish I-20 Transportation Corridor Program
$500,000
Alexander earmarked $500,000 for the Lincoln Parish I-20 Transportation Corridor Program, which includes planning and construction of a series of interchange and frontage roads improvements along I-20 between Grambling and Ruston, La. These improvements will relieve congestion, improve safety, and enhance connectivity between two public universities.
● Alexandria Central Economic Development District: Alexandria Riverfront Project $300,000
This project will enhance and protect a 1.6-mile stretch of underdeveloped urban riverfront while affording an increase in the recreational and scenic enjoyment.
“Making improvements to infrastructure is perhaps the most effective way to boost the local economy,” Alexander said.
“Each of these projects will have a major impact on the businesses and residents in the 5th District, as they address not only basic needs, such as road improvements, but they also explore ways of strengthening current facilities and utilizing the potential of other areas. Transportation and infrastructure needs are often neglected on the federal level, and I will continue to work to see the needs of the 5th Congressional District addressed.”
Alexander said he is pleased these earmarks for the 5th District were included in the T-HUD bill, despite heavy opposition by some lawmakers who advocated doing away with all earmarks.
“I am very pleased to have secured any amount for these important projects during a time when the earmarking process is under such scrutiny and the number of earmarks for special projects throughout the country is being cut. I also feel, and I believe the recipients would agree, that any federal assistance is much appreciated and will be used to the fullest.”
The T-HUD bill is expected to be considered on the House floor in the coming weeks. Should it pass, the earmarks will await final approval in the joint House-Senate Conference report. Alexander said it is important to note that these numbers are not final or guaranteed, but their inclusion in the House bill is a step in the right direction toward achieving federal funding for these important projects.
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