Washington, DC (June 8, 2006) – Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Department of Transportation Appropriations Act for FY07.  Included in this legislation is $1.4 million for various projects in the 15th Congressional District. 
 
“Improvements to the infrastructure of communities in the 15th Congressional District are of the utmost importance,” said Hinojosa.  “I am pleased that the committee included these projects in the bill and look forward to working with my colleagues from both sides of the aisle on its final passage.”
 
Following are the funded projects in the 15th District:

• $600,000 to Reconstruct West Apron at Harlingen Airport.  The current apron was built during World War II and the old concrete has shattered and become unsafe.  The apron is used by FedEx and the U.S. Marshal's Service, but will become unusable without repairs.

•      $200,000 for FM 3071 from SH107 to FM1925 (in the Rio Grande Valley) to widen to four lanes.  The road leads to the local high school, and has become a safety hazard due to increased traffic.

•      $100,000 for City of San Juan for th San Juan Public Library.  The current library is too small to meet the needs of the growing population in San Juan.  The community has committed $430,000 for the project.

The Transportation Appropriations Bill would authorize This bill provides $139.7 billion: $64.72 billion for the Department of Transportation; $11.55 billion for the Treasury Department; $35.30 billion for Housing and Urban Development; $6.06 billion for the Judiciary; $575 million for the District of Columbia; $723 million for the Executive Office of the President; $17 million for the Election Assistance Commission; $57 million for the Federal Election Commission; and $109 million for the U.S. Postal Service.  This bill also provides federal civilian employees with a 2.7% pay increase.