For Immediate Release:
Friday, July 29, 2005

WASHINGTON D.C - U.S. Representative Dan Boren announced today that he has secured $25.9 million in funding for transportation projects in Eastern Oklahoma. The Transportation Equity Act (TEA), which authorizes funding for highway and transit programs, was finalized by the House today and sent to President Bush for his signature.   

“I’m extremely pleased with this level of funding.  This bill would not have been possible without the leadership and tenacity of Senator Inhofe,” Boren said.  

 

“These vital projects will improve safety and the flow of traffic through many communities across the Second District,” Boren said.  

 

“Updating and enhancing our infrastructure will improve access to Eastern Oklahoma – a crucial factor in creating jobs and business growth,” Boren said. 

 

The following projects were included into the TEA bill:

• $2 million in funding for construction of a rail crossing in Claremore at Blue Star Drive and SH-66
• $14.5 million in funding for improvements to SH-412P at the I-44 Interchange
• $1 million in funding for Texanna Road improvements around Lake Eufaula
• $6.25 million in funding for improvements to SH-3 from Antlers to Broken Bow
• $1 million in funding for improvements to Hereford Lane and US-69 Interchange near  McAlester
• $200K in funding to construct an interchange south of I-40 along Indian Nation Turnpike near Henryetta
• $1 million in funding for reconstruction of SH-66 from Craig and Rogers Counties to SH-66 and US-60

 “This important bill will help to build, maintain, and repair infrastructure that Oklahomans depend upon every day,” Boren said.    

 

Economists estimate that for every $1 billion spent on highway and transit programs, 47,500 American jobs will be created.  “This bill could be the best jobs bill of this Congress,” Boren said.  

 

Director of the Oklahoma Department of Transportation Gary Ridley stated, “We’ve worked very closely with Congressman Boren on determining the priorities in his district and are extremely pleased with the results. Thanks to his diligence we are able to move forward with several needed projects in the area.”

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