Dearborn, MI - Congressman John D. Dingell (D-MI15) made the following comments regarding H.R. 3074, the Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development (HUD) appropriations bill, which passed the House by a vote of 268-153.

“The Transportation-HUD Appropriations bill provides much needed funding to increase the availability of affordable housing and improve our transportation infrastructure. It will also mean that the people of the 15th district will see improvements in our transit and our traffic. At a time when high energy costs are hurting the wallets of American families, this legislation will invest in transit projects for urban areas that will save commuters time while traveling to work. It will also continue to fully fund AMTRAK and other important transportation priorities. This legislation will also begin to correct the massive cuts to housing assistance by the Bush Administration by providing over $2 billion for programs that will provide shelter for low-income and elderly Americans.

“Michigan has long been known as a great auto state, and it is time our transportation infrastructure reflects the same pride we put into manufacturing automobiles. I believe this legislation will make the investment in our highways we need, while also providing funding for alternative transportation means. This legislation will also provide housing assistance to families, ensuring they will not go without a roof over their heads."

In all, the bill includes three federally-funded projects supported by the Congressman to help improve the public transportation systems used by the citizens of Southeastern Michigan.

1) Detroit-Metro Airport Taxiway Rehabilitation - $1 million
2) I-94/I-275 Interchange Reconstruction - $500,000
3) Ann Arbor Transit Authority Transit Center - $500,000 

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