Hoyer Announces Transportation & Community Development Funding for Maryland's Fifth District
WASHINGTON - Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD) announced today that the House approved federal funds to upgrade major transportation routes and transit projects while addressing community development needs in Maryland's Fifth Congressional District. The funds, which were allocated in the House Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations bill (HR 3288) were included at the request of Congressman Hoyer.
"One of the adverse effects of rapid population growth, like that Maryland has experienced in the past decade, is traffic congestion," said Congressman Hoyer. "Therefore, I am pleased that the House has approved my requests for these projects to meet the transportation needs of Maryland's Fifth District. This funding will help promote public transit, ease congestion along major Maryland thoroughfares, and improve the safety of our roadways and intersections."
"I am also pleased this bill addresses some of the Fifth District's housing and community development needs," stated Rep. Hoyer. "Funding for the renovation and expansion of the Project Echo Homeless Shelter will help our communities' neediest residents. The Spanish language foreclosure prevention effort is another tool to fight the foreclosures in Prince George's County."
"Finally, this bill contains an important investment in the public transit system that serves our region's residents, federal workers and visitors to the Capital area," said Rep. Hoyer. "The $150 million included in this bill is the first installment of a ten-year dedicated funding plan to provide Metro with resources for capital and preventative maintenance projects. This funding is an essential investment in the efficiency and safety of the system that is so integral to the life of this city and the 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 first year of a ten-year dedicated funding plan authorized last year 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 continue to provide safe and reliable service for area residents, commuters, and visitors. Funds will be matched by Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia.
New Fredrick Douglass Memorial Bridge Construction Project - $2,300,000
Planning is underway for a new Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge to enable South Capitol Street's transformation into a grand urban boulevard, improve access and traffic flow for commuters and visitors to our nation's capital, and help bolster the economic recovery of the neighborhood. This funding will be used for the design phase of the new bridge.
Southern Maryland Commuter Bus Initiative - $1,250,000
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. Since 2003, Rep. Hoyer has secured $13.75 million for this initiative.
MD 4, MD 2/4 to MD 235 including Thomas Johnson Bridge and MD 235 Intersection - $750,000
This corridor serves as one of the primary transportation corridors and evacuation routes for a fast growing part of Maryland, and major safety and capacity enhancements must be undertaken to meet the current and future transportation needs of the nearby communities. The requested funds would be used for design, right-of-way acquisition or construction for improvements to the Thomas Johnson Memorial Bridge, dualization of MD 4, stormwater management improvements, and improved traffic operations. These investments will help address congestion, improve safety, and reduce the impact of traffic on the environment.
U.S. 301, Charles County, Maryland - $750,000
U.S. 301 is a major commuter thoroughfare from Southern Maryland to Washington, DC, however, due to the economic growth in the region, this highway is often very congested and is in desperate need of upgrades. These funds will help determine the best, most appropriate way to reduce traffic congestion and gridlock impacting the quality of life for local residents and access to local businesses. Since 2007, Rep. Hoyer has secured $1.7 million to help address the transportation needs along this roadway.
The following community development funding was included for 5th District projects in the bill passed by House:
Spanish Language Foreclosure Prevention in Prince George's County - $500,000
Funds will be used for a Spanish-language foreclosure prevention campaign and program in Prince George's County, Maryland. Housing advocates from the 5th District have seen an increase in the number of foreclosure crisis-related scams targeting constituents with limited English proficiency. This funding will help reduce the incident of predatory schemes through a comprehensive educational campaign, as well as intervention resources to prevent more serious and detrimental financial issues from arising.
Project Echo Homeless Shelter Renovations and Expansion - $375,000
The current Project Echo Homeless Shelter lacks the capacity to meet the demand for emergency shelter to accommodate the growing number of homeless citizens living in Southern Maryland. Funds will be used for the renovation and expansion of a homeless shelter located in Calvert County, MD. The new facility will increase available space by more than 50 percent and provide emergency shelter for individuals and families living in Calvert, St. Mary's or Charles County for up to 90 days.
The House Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations billnow awaits passage of the Senate companion legislation. After Senate passage, a House-Senate conference will meet to reconcile the differences so one bill can be brought to both chambers for a final vote.
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