WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-5) announced that the Fiscal Year 2011 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations bill approved tonight by the House contains significant investments to upgrade major transportation routes and transit projects while addressing community development needs in Maryland's Fifth Congressional District. The funds were included at the request of Congressman Hoyer. "I am pleased that the House has approved these requests for important transportation and community development projects to meet the needs of Maryland's Fifth District," stated Rep. Hoyer. "The transportation funding will help promote public transit, ease congestion along Maryland's thoroughfares, and improve the safety of our roadways and intersections." "This bill also addresses critical Fifth District housing and community development needs," continued Rep. Hoyer. "Funding ensures that all homes in Charles County have indoor plumbing, which will enhance quality of life, improve environmental and health conditions, and help our communities' most vulnerable residents." "Finally, this bill continues investing in the public transit system that serves our region's residents, federal workers and visitors to the Capital area," said Rep. Hoyer. "Continuing the federal commitment to a ten-year dedicated funding plan, this bill provides Metro with the resources it needs to ensure the efficiency and safety of the transit system that is integral to the life of this region." The following transportation funding was included for 5th District projects in the bill passed by the House: WMATA – Capital Maintenance Project – $150,000,000
This funding provides the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) with the second year of a ten-year dedicated funding plan authorized by Congress for capital and preventive maintenance projects for the maintenance and upkeep of the public transportation system in the Nation's Capital. These funds will provide an urgently needed capital investment in WMATA's (rail, bus and paratransit) transit system to ensure that the system can provide safe and reliable service for area residents, commuters, and visitors. Funds will be matched by Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia. Design and Right-of-Way Acquisition for a new interchange at MD5 @ Brandywine Road and MD 373, Prince George's County – $1,400,000
Funding would be utilized toward design associated with construction of a new interchange at MD 5, MD 373 and Brandywine Road in order to close the two at grade signalized intersections. This project will provide relief to the commuters and local residents from the current congestion along MD 5 at the intersections of MD 373 (Accokeek Road) and Brandywine Road in Prince George's County. Phase 1 – widening of route 5 at the intersection is currently underway. Over the years, Congressman Hoyer has secured more than $18 million for this project. Southern Maryland Commuter Bus Initiative – $1,500,000
Commuter bus service has grown rapidly in Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary's counties over the past sixteen years and the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) Southern Maryland Bus program now operates more than 200 bus trips with a total of 7,200 riders each day. This funding will support planning, design and construction of new or expanded commuter parking lots in Southern Maryland as well as the acquisition of over-the-road coaches. New Fredrick Douglass Memorial Bridge Construction Project – $2,500,000
Funding would be used for the design of the new Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge. This new bridge will enable South Capitol Street's transformation into a grand urban boulevard, improve access and traffic flow for Fifth District commuters and visitors to our nation's capital, and help bolster the economic recovery of the neighborhood. The following community development funding was included for 5th District projects in the bill passed by House: Indoor Plumbing Project, Charles County – $300,000
This project will provide funds for the installation and/or rehabilitation of homes so that these Charles County citizens and their families will have decent and sanitary housing. There are an estimated 250 homes in Charles County which lack indoor plumbing. Additional homes have indoor plumbing that is inoperable and needs repair. The Housing Authority will work with local contractors to provide services. This project will enhance quality of life, improve environmental and health conditions, and helps provide a critical utility to some of Charles County's most vulnerable citizens. ### |