Friday, Nov 11 2011 4:48PM
The bill incorporates language from amendments Crapo has pushed for, and maintains funding for roads in rural areas, which might have been overlooked.
Idaho Senator Mike Crapo and the rest of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee recently approved a draft highway spending bill that must now proceed through Senate hearings to reach the floor for a broader vote.
The bill incorporates language from amendments Crapo has pushed for, and maintains funding for roads in rural areas, which might have been overlooked. It also consolidates federal programs and protects air quality, among other environmental factors, promoting
green infrastructure development.
"At a time when generating jobs is such an important focus, this approach puts funds to work more quickly than otherwise distributing them through discretionary and allocation programs," Crapo said to his colleagues. He noted Idaho and other states have rural areas with relatively few people to support long roads, and thanked fellow legislators for being aware of rural citizens' needs.
The program also funds bridges, traffic congestion relief and natural disaster repairs. While the Committee members approved the bill unanimously, legislators are still determining exactly how it will be funded. Increasing fuel efficiency, while beneficial, has reduced fuel tax revenue. Crapo noted the passage of this bill by the Committee is a positive step at a time when transportation legislation is a necessity.
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Senator Mike Crapo, Idaho