7.0. SR 06-01-1998 - Laserfiche WebLink

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INFORMATION Congressman Jim 0berstar NEWS RELEASE http :llwww. house.govloberstarl For Immediate Release May 28, 1998 OBERSTAR LAUDS TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS NEAR ELK RIVER Contact: Mary Kerr (202) 225-6211 WASHINGTON--The largest, most comprehensive public works legislation in history was passed by the House of Representatives Friday. The conference report, "TEA-21" or "Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century," provides $200.5 billion for the nation's highways, bridges and mass transit systems. The House version of the transportation bill was passed in March and was called the "Building Efficient Transportation and Equity Act" or 'BESTEA." The Senate passed its own version, known as "ISTEA 2." A joint House-Senate conference committee negotiated the conference report over the last month to harmonize the House-passed and Senate-passed versions of the transportation bill. The bill is awaiting President Clinton's signature. "Approximately five percent of the overall funding in the bill was earmarked for special projects around the nation. This funding is a very important element of the legislation, because it will enable state and local governments to improve the safety and efficiency of our roads and bridges," Oberstar said. "One of the most important things the federal government can do for local residents is make our roads, highways, bridges, and bike paths safer for commuters and bicyclists. Additionally, a properly maintained infrastructure will encourage companies to invest in Northern Minnesota, which will lead to more economic opportunities for our region." The new transportation bill gives the State of Minnesota a 40 percent increase in federal highway money over the next six years and earmarks funding for dozens of projects in Northeastern Minnesota (figures listed below constitute the federal share of the projects). The projects include: · $1.35 million to construct grade crossing improvements in Morrison County; · $550,250 to construct a Pedestrian Bridge over Highway 169 in Elk River; and $2.4 million to construct Elk River bypass from 171st Avenue at Highway 10 to Intersection of County Roads 12 and 13 at Highway 169.