Below is a list of projects for the 4th Congressional District that was included at my request in the Fiscal Year 2008 Transportation and Housing & Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill (H.R. 3074). That bill eventually formed part of the end-of-the-year Consolidated Appropriations Act (Public Law 110-161).

Project: Walker Street Grade Separation (Downtown Cary)
Funding: $ 980,000
Description: Funding for the Town of Cary to extend Walker Street by 0.19 miles and construct a bridge over the railroad tracks in downtown Cary. Currently, both crossings along the railroad tracks in the downtown area are “at-grade,” forcing motor vehicles to stop and causing major delays when the approximately 5 passenger trains and 12 freight trains pass through downtown daily.

Project: Hopson Road Grade Separation (Durham)
Funding: $ 490,000
Description: Funding for the City of Durham to replace the existing two-lane, at-grade rail crossing at Hopson Road with either a new roadway bridge across the rail line or a new rail bridge across the roadway. The project, which will accommodate five motor vehicle lanes, is needed because a significant increase in commercial and industrial activity in the area is expected to contribute to a significant increase in traffic volume on Hopson Road.

Project: I-540 Western Wake Freeway
Funding: $ 980,000
Description: Funding will support the completion of a critical link in the I-540 Raleigh Outer Loop to connect rapidly growing areas in southwestern Wake County with the I-40 corridor and Research Triangle Park.

Project: Statewide Bus and Bus Facilities Upgrades
Funding: $ 1,225,000
Description: Funding for the State of North Carolina to improve bus service in communities throughout the state.

Project: John Avery Boys and Girls Club Gymnasium Expansion and Renovation
Funding: $ 98,000
Description: Funding for the John Avery Boys and Girls Club to expand and renovate its gymnasium to better serve Durham’s youth and families. The capacity of the Club’s current athletic facility has been significantly stretched by the growth in the number of participants (150 youths per day on average). The space will serve as an auditorium, a gathering place for the community, and a home for the club’s Gang Prevention through Targeted Outreach program.

Project: Jim and Carolyn Hunt Child Care Resource Center
Funding: $ 269,500
Description: Funding for Child Care Services Association of Durham for equipment and construction of a kitchen for a child care resource center. The Jim and Carolyn Hunt Child Care Resource Center will house and centralize the services of three child care service agencies to improve access to services for children, families, and child care providers. Co-locating these services will allow over 5,000 families each year to more easily access information on child care programs, learn about referrals and vacancies, and seek financial assistance.

Project: Manufactured Housing Redevelopment Fund
Funding: $ 269,500
Description: Funding for the Community Reinvestment Association of North Carolina (CRA-NC) to help capitalize a loan fund for the redevelopment of manufactured housing land-lease communities into vibrant neighborhoods. A federal investment in this loan fund will help demonstrate that manufactured housing can be a successful low-income housing option and an integral component of community development strategies.

Project: Family House at UNC Hospitals
Funding: $ 171,500
Description: Funding for the State Employees’ Credit Union Foundation for equipment and buildout of a residential facility for critically ill patients and their families. The facility will provide lodging and a nurturing environment to those traveling significant distances to UNC Hospitals for inpatient evaluation and treatment. Existing lodging in the area is financially out of reach for many patients and their families, and the Ronald McDonald House (located next door to the proposed site) serves only the families of children.