FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                    Contact: Gretchen M. Wintermantel
Aug. 2, 2005                                                         202.225.6511

Major Transportation Bill Includes Nearly $28 Million in Federal Funding for Projects in Luzerne County
Federal dollars will spur a total investment of nearly $35 million in county's transportation network

Wilkes-Barre, Pa. - Congressman Paul E. Kanjorski (PA-11) today announced that the recently passed highway bill includes more than $28 million in federal funding for important transportation projects in Luzerne County. Northeastern Pennsylvania's congressional delegation worked together to ensure that the bill provides adequate funding for some of the region's most pressing transportation needs.

On July 29, both the House and Senate passed the $286.5 billion transportation bill by overwhelming margins. The legislation will set federal transportation policy for the next several years and directs the Transportation Department to provide funding for important projects throughout the country. Congressman Kanjorski strongly supported the bill, which passed the House by a vote of 408 to 8.  The Senate passed the bill later in the day by a vote of 94 to 6. 

The federal funds included in this bill can provide up to 80 percent of the total cost of the projects. It is anticipated that the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will provide the majority of the remaining 20 percent, bringing the total investment in transportation projects to nearly $35 million when the state match is added. 

Congressman Kanjorski touted the measure as an example of bipartisanship that will enhance the region's transportation network and strengthen its economic competitiveness. 

"I am pleased that we have finally completed this long-awaited transportation bill. The federal funding included in this bill will provide a tremendous economic boost for communities throughout my congressional district. By working together with Pennsylvania's Senators, Arlen Specter and Rick Santorum, I am pleased to report that we have significantly expanded the federal investment in our region's transportation infrastructure," Congressman Kanjorski said.

Listed below are projects for Luzerne County:

• $9.8 million for improvements to Wilkes-Barre's streets, including the downtown lighting project and parking facilities.  Congressman Kanjorski secured $2.8 million of this total.  The Senate added an additional $1 million for street enhancements and $6 million for the Wilkes-Barre intermodal transportation center.
• $1.6 million for Pittston City to undertake paving projects and streetscape enhancements in the downtown.
• $7.2 million for the City of Nanticoke to transportation-related improvements, including a parking expansion initiative in the downtown. 
• $880,000 to the Hazleton area for connector roads.  $480,000 will be allocated for a connector road between Route 93 and Route 309 in Hazle Township while the proposed connector road between the Valmont Industrial Park and Pennsylvania Route 924 at Cranberry Creek is set to receive $400,000.  The Senate portion of the bill also included $1.4 million for the Hazleton intermodal center. 
• $400,000 for Wachovia Arena parking lot and nearby Route 115 to Interstate 81 Connector Project.  $200,000 in federal funding has been allocated to complete asphalt paving on the remainder of the arena's surface parking lot while $200,000 has been included for the connector road project that will link the northbound lanes of Route 115 with the southbound lanes of Interstate Route 81.
• Thirteen small communities in Luzerne County will receive $160,000 each for streetscaping enhancements, paving, lighting, safety improvements, parking & roadway redesign.
• In Luzerne County, this includes: Edwardsville, Plymouth Borough, Duryea, Dupont, Wright Township, Newport Township, Plains, Hanover Township, Exeter Borough, Ashley, West Pittston, Larksville and Avoca.
• Communities were awarded funding based on requests from elected officials and Congressman Kanjorski's assessment of those needs.
• Those communities not awarded under this allocation will be considered as future funding opportunities become available.

The Senate portion of the bill included several important projects strongly supported by Congressman Kanjorski, such as:

• $2 million to widen Interstate 81 from four to six lanes in the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton corridor.
• $2.5 million for the South Valley Parkway, which will connect northern Luzerne County to Mocanaqua and other points in southern Luzerne County.

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