Carter Secures Transportation Funds

Washington, Jul 29, 2005 -

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative John Carter (TX-31) secured funding for transportation in Williamson County. The funding requested by Carter was included in the final passage of H.R. 3, Transportation Equity Act.

“The amazing growth in Central Texas has made transportation an ongoing concern.” Carter continued by saying, “This funding may not solve all traffic woes, but it will certainly help ease them and offer better access to Killeen’s new airport.”

Carter acquired $4.8 million to connect three state highways (SH 201, SH 195 and US 190) and IH-35 to the newly opened Killeen/Ft. Hood Regional Airport. The road will be Killeen’s south loop, offering better access to the airport, serving new educational facilities, connecting Central Texas to international trade routes, and improving the connectivity from Killeen to Georgetown. Also, $1.6 million was acquired to reconstruct US 79 from an undivided to a divided roadway with shoulders and turning lanes. The rapid population growth in Round Rock has created significant traffic congestion, which the funding will be used to relieve. The southern portion of Georgetown will also receive $3.2 million as a part of SH 29 bypass to Ranch Road 2243.

Also included was $ 1.6 million to expand SH 195, from the Bell County line to IH 35, from a two to four lane highway with improved shoulders and intersections. Improvements made would enhance safety and traffic flow. Another $1.6 million was allotted to widen SH317, near Temple, from two to four lanes in certain sections. The widening would improve traffic flow, decrease congestion, increase fuel efficiency and decrease the potential for accidents.