(Warwick, R.I.) Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI) today will vote for H.R. 3074 – Transportation-Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2008. This bill will appropriate $104.4 billion for the Transportation and Housing and Urban Development departments, as well as five related agencies. This funding must still be approved by a House-Senate conference committee once the legislation has been passed by the Senate.

Included in the bill are two programs championed by Langevin.

The Rhode Island Department of Transportation is expected to receive $1.5 million for the I-195 Relocation Project. This project will help fund one contract known as contract 10/11, which will allow for repaving part of existing I-195, tying in new and existing alignment, and removing part of the existing highway as well as a realignment of Interstate 95 and connecting it to new I-195 ramps.  This funding was also supported by Congressman Patrick Kennedy.

The Coventry Department of Human Services is expected to receive $150,000 for Coventry CARES Community Center. The town plans to construct a community center, which will house social, economic, psychological, and physical assistance services for seniors in Rhode Island’s seventh largest town.  This 7,500 square foot facility will connect all mental health and social service programs to serve approximately 2,500 additional low- and moderate-income individuals.  The center will also serve as a hub for emergency services in case of a disaster.

“I am proud to be able to help support these two very different projects,” said Langevin. “The first, will keep our state moving – literally – in a faster and safer direction. The second will help ensure the residents of Coventry have unfettered access to the services they deserve. I will continue to advocate for these projects as the process continues.”

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