Congressional Valley Delegation Paves the Way for Highway 99 Interstate Designation

Cites Bipartisan Coordination as Road to Success

WASHINGTON, D.C.- Traffic-choked Highway 99 is getting some much needed relief thanks to six Central Valley congressmen who joined forces in abipartisan effort.

Federalhelp for the beleaguered state highway was included in a federal transportationbill that was passed today and is expected to be signed by the President. The$286 billion Transportation Equity Act includes provisions that make thehighway eligible to compete for an exclusive pool of federal road money. Italso makes the highway eligible to become a federal interstate and getmaintenance and improvement money on an annual basis.

Theprovisions are aimed at improving traffic flow and safety by widening a275-mile stretch of the highway between Bakersfieldand Sacramento.

Thelawmakers involved in the effort include Reps. Bill Thomas, Richard Pombo,Devin Nunes, George Radanovich, Dennis Cardoza and Jim Costa who made thefollowing joint statement:

"Thisis a historic opportunity for Highway 99, which has been neglected far toolong. We look forward to seeing the state and federal governments quickly beginnegotiations to bring the roadway into the federal interstate system with theimprovements that new federal dollars can provide. Our strong bipartisancooperation has paved the way for Highway 99 to be designated as a FederalInterstate.

"Thisis a huge win for the Valley in terms of creating jobs, alleviating trafficcongestion, improving air quality and providing a much more efficient transitsystem with increased lanes and better road conditions, without negativelyimpacting future federal support for our region's transportation needs. As aunified voice we came together to fight for a level playing field for thecitizens of the Central Valley of California--and we won."

Signed,

Rep. Bill Thomas

Rep. Richard Pombo

Rep. George Radanovich

Rep. Devin Nunes

Rep. DennisCardoza

Rep. Jim Costa ###