Congressman Salazar Named to Influential Transportation Committee

Salazar will Secure Federal Funds for Rural Colorado Development

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Amid intense competition, Congressman John Salazar today secured a seat on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, one of the most powerful Committees of the U.S. House of Representatives, allowing Salazar to improve infrastructure and increase the pace of rural development.

“I am very pleased with my appointment to the Transportation Committees,” said Salazar. “We must develop our rural communities and provide even the most remote areas with the benefits and services enjoyed by people in Denver. This Committee assignment will empower us in our fight to bring home federal dollars for rural Colorado.”

The Transportation Committee has jurisdiction over civil aviation, ground transportation, rail services, water resources development, water resources conservation and management, and hazardous waste clean up. Congressman Don Young (R-Alaska) will chair the Transportation Committee and Congressman James Oberstar (D-Minnesota) will serve as the ranking Democratic member.  Congressman Bob Beauprez (R-Colorado) also serves on the Transportation Committee.

"I am proud to name Congressman John Salazar to the Transportation Committee," House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi said.  "A veteran and lifelong farmer, John will bring his deep understanding of rural issues to Congress.  John's independence and no-nonsense approach will make him a successful and effective representative of the third district of Colorado."

In the coming weeks and months, Salazar and other members of the Transportation Committee will begin work on the reauthorization of the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21), where Salazar will work to ensure that Colorado taxpayers receive their fair share of federal highway funding dollars. TEA-21 is the legislation that authorizes the level of federal funding for federal highway, highway safety and transit programs.