Murray Secures nearly $5 million for SOUTHWEST Washington Transportation Priorities

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-Wash) announced that she has secured $4.885 million for transportation and community priorities for Southwest Washington. Senator Murray secured the funding as the highest-ranking Democrat on the Senate Transportation, Treasury, the Judiciary and Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Subcommittee.

Today, a House-Senate conference committee approved the FY 2006 spending bill for the departments of Transportation, Treasury, Housing and Urban Development, and other federal agencies. Now the bill goes to the full House and Senate for final passage and then to the President for his signature.

“In a tough budget year, we’re making real investments in our roads, economy and community,” Senator Murray said. “This funding will support jobs throughout the region, make our transportation infrastructure safer and more efficient, and strengthen the quality of life that families enjoy throughout Southwest Washington.”

SOUTHWEST WASHINGTON PROJECTS

• 
  West Vancouver Freight Access Project, Port of Vancouver — $2.3 million – This regional multi-modal freight mobility project includes construction of an alternative north rail access line that will increase capacity for the entire Pacific Northwest rail network and construction of a freight mobility bypass road through the adjacent Fruit Valley neighborhood. This project will provide continuous circulation between the Port of Vancouver, SR-501, and I-5. The funding secured by Senator Murray will be used toward completing the environmental impact statement for the project. Senator Murray secured $1 million for this project last year.
• 
  Maritime Fire and Safety Association, Columbia River — $425,000 – MFSA provides safety and security training and services to first responders along the Columbia River. The funding secured by Senator Murray will be used to upgrade their communications and emergency rescue capability. Senator Murray secured $500,000 for this project last year.
• 
  Rail Crossing Improvements to the Pacific Northwest Corridor in Vancouver — $2 million – This project will enhance public safety by separating 39th Street and allow for improved rail operations serving passenger and port traffic. The funding secured by Senator Murray will help WSDOT complete the project.
• 
  Twin Transit (serving the cities of Centralia and Chehalis) — $160,000 – The funding provided will enable Twin Transit to purchase a new vehicle to support rural mobility needs. Senator Murray secured $400,000 for Twin Transit last year.