For Immediate Release:

Thursday, July 20, 2006

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-Wash) announced that she has secured $4.2 million for transportation, housing and economic development priorities throughout central Washington state. The funding has been included as part of the Transportation, Treasury, Judiciary Housing and Urban Development (TTHUD) Appropriations bill. Senator Murray is the highest ranking Democrat on the TTHUD Appropriations Subcommittee.

"The investments made in this bill give central Washington communities the fiscal tools to address their transportation, housing and quality of life concerns," said Senator Murray. "While the federal budget continues to be squeezed, I have continued to fight for investments to be made here at home. Today, I am proud to see that those efforts have paid off and will benefit programs and people in central Washington."

Funding for central Washington projects includes:

US-12 Improvements from Burbank to Walla Walla -- $1 million

This project will support environmental documentation and design for the for the next four-lane project in the forty mile long US-12 corridor from Burbank to Walla Walla. Phase 7 includes design and environmental documentation. The proposed project will widen US-12 from 2 to 4 lanes to improve capacity and expand economic development. Senator Murray secured $12 million for this project in previous years.

Agriculture Freight Supply Chain Analysis -- $170,000

Funding secured by Senator Murray for this project will allow for research to be completed on the apple, potato, wheat, and grain freight supply chains. This study will focus on how to improve the freight system to better assist agricultural growers and farmers, processed food manufacturing, and food distribution centers that rely on freight service to reach markets.

Ben Franklin Transit (Tri-Cities) -- $750,000

The funding provided will continue construction of Ben Franklin Transit’s new maintenance and operations facility. Senator Murray secured $1.55 million for this project in previous years.

Big Pasco Industrial Center Intermodal Project, Phase 4 -- $800,000

The funding secured by Senator Murray will complete Phase 4 of the Port of Pasco’s efforts to improve its intermodal rail operations. The project will develop rail facilities to ensure more efficient movement of agricultural products to markets abroad. This funding will construct a new rail spur to the BNSF Walla Walla line.

Grant Transit Vehicle Replacement--$480,000

This funding will enable Grant Transit Authority to purchase two new vehicles to support rural mobility needs.

Hanford Reach National Monument Transportation Improvements -- $1 million

This funding will improve road access and parking for the Hanford Reach National Monument Heritage and Visitor Center. Road improvements will also improve pedestrian access and safety. This funding will complete the project. Senator Murray secured $2.78 million for this project last year.