For Immediate Release:

Wednesday, July 24, 2002

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – Senator Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee, announced today that she has secured important federal funding for Spokane transportation projects in the fiscal year 2003 transportation spending bill.

The funding will address critical infrastructure needs throughout the region, including bridges, busses, airports and transit facilities.

In addition to the earmarked funding, Washington state will also receive hundreds of millions of dollars in federal highway and transit formula funding. Washington state will receive $510 million in Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) grants and $101 million in Federal Transit Administration (FTA) grants to address transportation issues across the state.

"I am proud to have helped direct federal funding to Spokane and Washington state in this year's transportation bill," Senator Murray said. "Our region's economy is facing tough times and we must do all that we can to keep jobs and business in Spokane. These increased monies will help ease congestion and increase public safety, and will go a long way to improving the quality of life and increasing economic prosperity for our region."

Transportation earmarks for Spokane:

US 395, N. Spokane Corridor - $5 million The North Spokane Corridor project will create a 10.4 mile link between I-90, US 2 and US 395. The project will help relieve congestion in the city, reduce emissions, save fuel and minimize accidents in the area. The project also includes pedestrian/bicycle trails, high-occupancy vehicle lanes and park and ride lots.

Spokane Transit - $3 million This funding will help provide an additional facility for paratransit vehicles that can't currently be housed in Spokane Transit's existing structures.

Monroe Street Bridge Rehabilitation - $2.5 million The funding will help renovate and repair the Monroe Street Bridge. The Bridge is currently unstable and fails to meet seismic requirements.