July 25, 2007

House Approves Ellsworth Request for Terre Haute Railroad Relocation Project

WASHINGTON - Living up to his pledge to disclose projects that are on track to receive federal funding, Rep. Brad Ellsworth today announced he requested federal funds to begin planning for a railroad track relocation project in Terre Haute. The $450,000 in funding was included as part of the FY 2008 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations measure approved by the House late last night.

The funds were requested by the City of Terre Haute and will be used to study options and develop plans for relocating the railroad tracks currently running along Tippecanoe Street. The City, in partnership with Indiana State University and the Terre Haute Economic Development Corporation, is working with stakeholders to ensure the relocation project addresses traffic congestion, public safety, and economic development concerns.    

"This is an excellent example of the importance of organizations and communities working together to solve common problems. We all have a stake in improving the safety and economic strength of Terre Haute, and these funds will help ensure the relocation project achieves that goal," said Ellsworth. "I am proud to have supported this project, and I will continue to work for federal investment to improve public safety and provide for economic development in our communities."     

"Railroad relocation has been a dream in Terre Haute for more than 60 years. This funding will help our community develop plans to relieve the safety and economic burden imposed on our residents by frequent stops at our many level crossings. We hope that this will be the first step in a long range plan to ease this imposition on our residents, and to help the railroad industry achieve greater efficiency and profitability," said Terre Haute Mayor Kevin Burke.

Passage by the House is only the first step in the process. The bill will next go to a Conference Committee of House and Senate members who will work to combine both Chambers' bills in a Conference Report. Upon passage of the Conference Report by the House and Senate, the final bill will then be sent to the President to be signed into law.

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