Rep. Hoyer and Members of the Maryland Delegation to Discuss Millions Included in Highway Bill for Maryland Transportation Priorities

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD) and members of the Maryland Congressional Delegation voiced their approval of the House-passed Transportation Reauthorization bill which included millions of dollars in federal funds to improve Maryland's transportation infrastructure. More information about the projects secured by Congressman Hoyer in the Highway Bill can be found at www.hoyer.house.gov.

The Washington region has some of the most congested traffic patterns in the entire nation. The funds included in this bill, at the Congressional Delegation's request, for high-priority transportation projects in the region will address some of Maryland's major transportation infrastructure needs and will make it easier to travel through the state. Congressman Hoyer released the following statement following the call.

"We are pleased with how well Maryland fared in the highway bill and how our state will benefit from the millions secured by this Congressional Delegation for high priority transportation projects in our state.

"Maryland is estimated to receive $3.4 billion in federal transportation funds over the next six years, compared to $2.7 billion the state received under the Transportation Authorization bill that provided funds for the period from 1998 to 2003 (TEA-21).

"Further, the state of Maryland received authorization for approximately 40 high priority projects that the Delegation requested in the bill, for a total of $196.4 million, or 1.7% of the total authorized amount.

"In the 5th Congressional District, I secured $60 million in projects that are long overdue, including $10 million for the Hughesville Bypass and $15 million for Chancellors Run Road – both of which will dramatically assist the current needs and future expansion at Patuxent River Naval Air Station.

"Furthermore, I was able to secure significant funds to continue our work to improve MD 4 and the Suitland Parkway interchange, and make improvements to Indian Head Highway, the interchange connecting MD 5, MD 373, and Brandywine Road, and South Capitol Street and the Fredrick Douglass Memorial Bridge – which so many commuters from Southern Maryland and Prince George's County use to access Washington, DC.

"Ultimately, these funds will make the people traveling in our state safer by reducing congestion, making improvements to some of our region's most dangerous intersections, and ensuring that our roads can handle higher volumes of traffic."

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