Washington, DC  -  Congressman Mike Rogers said today he secured $257,000 in construction funds to help build new on/off ramps in Phenix City on U.S. Highway 80, funding which should help provide relief for Russell County motorists who use the heavily-traveled highway corridor.

“I am thrilled Congress has included funding for this important transportation and economic development initiative in Phenix City,” Rogers said. “It’s critical we continue to invest in this economic lifeline for the area, not only to speed traffic and increase economic development but also to increase the highway’s safety.”

Rogers said the House passed H.R. 3, the Conference Report to the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU), by a vote of 412-8. The $286 billion bill covers federal-aid highway and mass transit projects as well as safety initiatives, as well as funding for the new highway ramps.

“As always, I would also like to thank Senators Shelby and Sessions for their ongoing assistance with this and other transportation projects in the Senate,” Rogers added. “I also want to thank House Speaker Dennis Hastert (R-Il.) and Majority Leader Tom DeLay (R-Tx.) for helping make this funding a reality for the people of Alabama’s Third District.”

Rogers said the bill is in its final form and only needed passage by the Senate, which is expected, and then a signature by the president to make the legislation law. He said the final bill is $8.5 billion less than the amount proposed by the Senate, and subjected all projects in the bill to a 20% across-the-board cut. The measure would ensure states receive at least 92% of the money they contribute to the Highway Trust Fund by 2008.

Rogers said he has been working with local officials to secure funding for the ramps, which should help relieve traffic congestion on the J.R. Allen Parkway at River Trace Drive near the new hospital.