WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Nick Rahall (D-W.Va.) Tuesday announced $5 million in federal funding has been awarded for the Mullens to West Helen Section of the Coalfields Expressway.
"In a funding desert, with the House Republican leadership unable to produce a long term highway authorization bill, a misguided Congressional ban on earmarks, and competition for TIGER grants at an all time high, this funding is a sweet oasis," said Rahall, the top Democrat on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. "Mark my word, this federal commitment recognizes the long-term investment benefits of the Coalfields Expressway. It underscores the projects' importance to our economy and builds on the funding Senators Byrd and Rockefeller and I have secured over the years. It is a clear signal to our state partners, that if they were to pony up some of their federal discretionary money, it would move the project even further along and it sets the stage for future investment from administrations on the federal level."
The grant is provided through the U.S. Department of Transportation Fiscal Year 2012 National Infrastructure Investments or TIGER IV Discretionary Grants Program. Rahall petitioned the DOT to support the Coalfields Expressway project with federal funding. The funds awarded today will be used for right of way acquisition. Rahall has previously helped to secure federal funding for the project including $5.76 million in 2005 in SAFTEA-LU with an $11 million earmark, in conjunction with Senator Byrd; $22.69 million in 1998 in TEA-21; and $50 million in 1991 in ISTEA.
"This is a vital project and it's great news that it will receive this essential funding to upgrade this highway, improve safety for the cars that use it, and create jobs," said Senator Jay Rockefeller (D-W.Va.). "For our businesses and communities to grow and thrive, we need reliable, efficient roads to connect the various parts of our state and to connect West Virginia to other states. This road is doing that and this funding will help continue that goal forward."
The Coalfields Expressway project will improve the old two-lane roadways that have many deficiencies for today's transportation needs, including a high percentage of "No Passing" zones, many steep grades and areas of reduced speeds through many communities and school zones. Improvements will increase safety along this corridor and expand economic activity in the region. This project was identified in National Highway System Designation Act of 1995 as High Priority Corridor #29. The region has long-awaited the immediate benefits of a modern highway, including moving goods and services more efficiently and safely. A completed Coalfields Expressway will have a tremendous impact on southern West Virginia and the nation, which is one of the main goals of TIGER IV.
