FRIST, ALEXANDER, DAVIS ANNOUNCE FINAL HOUSE PASSAGE OF HIGHWAY REAUTHORIZATION BILL
Bill includes significant funding for highway infrastructure in Middle Tennessee July 29, 2005

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- U.S. Sens. Bill Frist (R-TN) and Lamar Alexander (R-TN) and Rep. Lincoln Davis (D-TN) today announced final House passage of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, and Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) highway bill conference report which includes significant funding for Tennessee highway, transit and safety programs.

"After a long and hard fought process, I'm pleased that we've been able to secure a highway bill that funds Tennessee's transportation priorities," said Frist. "This legislation supports critical infrastructure projects and will spur economic development in the 4th District. As Majority Leader, I'm committed to bringing this bill to the floor quickly so we can get it to the President for his signature. I want to thank Senator Alexander and Congressman Davis for all of their hard work on behalf of Tennesseans." As Senate Majority Leader, Frist secured more than $200 million for Tennessee transportation projects.

"Better roads mean better jobs. This bill provides funding to improve our interstates, highways and transportation infrastructure, which are critical to economic development in the 4th District and across the state," said Alexander. "I will continue to work with Senator Frist and Congressman Davis to make sure Tennessee communities receive the federal assistance they need to grow and prosper."

"As a Member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee I've had the opportunity to work with our Governor and U.S. Senators to prioritize funding for needed road improvements and priority projects. Passage of this legislation has increased funding for the state of Tennessee and will provide safer roads for working families as well as create jobs and stimulate Tennessee's economy," said Davis.

The legislation ensures that the State of Tennessee will receive a 26.71 percent increase in its highway formula funding over TEA-21 enacted levels. On average, Tennessee will receive an extra $168 million each year. Tennessee's rate of return for federal highway formula funding will increase from 90.5 percent to 91.5 percent in FY07 and to 92 percent in FY08.

The transit title of the highway reauthorization bill provides funding for a number of vital urban and rural transit programs and specific transit related projects. Overall, the State of Tennessee's transit formula apportionment will increase 164 percent over the previously enacted highway reauthorization bill. Tennessee will receive $216.7 million from FY2006 through FY2009. In addition, the state will receive $44.4 million for specific transit projects across the state.

The Middle Tennessee funding in the highway bill conference report includes:

• $12 million for Tennessee statewide bus replacement and implementing Intelligent Transportation Systems.


• $9.2 million to construct state Route 1 to a four-lane highway from Centertown to McMinnville in Warren County.


• $8 million to improve two-lane to four-lane highway along U.S. 412 in Mt. Pleasant.


• $6.4 million to make enhancements on the greenway along the Duck River in Columbia.


• $6.4 million to widen state Route 101 in Cumberland from two to five lanes.


• $4.8 million to add a third lane and make improvements to U.S. 27 just north of Robbins.


• $4.4 million to improve two-lane, five-lane on state Route 53 in Coffee County.


• $3.6 million to widen state Route 62 in Morgan County from two to four lanes.


• $2.4 million to add an interchange on I-40 at Buttermilk Road in Roane County.


• $2.5 million for a Warren County Mountain View Industrial Park access road.


• $2 million to widen U.S. Highway 127 to four lanes between Jamestown and Interstate 40.


• $500,000 to improve streetscape and repair pavement in Maury County.


• $500,000 to improve streetscape and repair pavement in Lincoln County.


• $500,000 to improve streetscape and repair pavement in Roane County.


• $500,000 to improve streetscape and repair pavement in Scott County.


• $500,000 to improve streetscape and repair pavement in Morgan County.


• $500,000 to improve streetscape and repair pavement in Fentress County.


• $200,000 for trails, bike paths, and the recreational facility on Bird Mountain in Morgan County.


• $200,000 for the recreational facilities on Black Mountain in the Cumberland Trail State Park.


• $200,000 to develop trails on the crest of the Black Mountains in Cumberland County.


• $200,000 to develop trails on Brady Mountain in Cumberland County.


• $200,000 to develop the East Hickman County and Oak Hill Community greenway projects in Hickman County.

The conference report is expected to be approved by the Senate prior to the August recess and will then go to President Bush for his signature.