Washington, D.C., Jul 25, 2007 -  

U.S. Congressman John R. Carter (TX-31), a member of the House Appropriations Committee, secured $900 thousand in the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) Appropriations bill for two important projects in Round Rock. Included in the bill were a $400 thousand allocation for revitalization and improvements to downtown and Main Street and a $500 thousand allocation for new railroad quiet zones.

“I am pleased to have secured funding for these important projects for my hometown of Round Rock” Congressman Carter said. “These projects are not only critical to the economic development of the city, but they also benefit transportation infrastructure, facilities and revitalization in the area.”

The $400 thousand will provide infrastructure improvements on Main Street from Interstate 35 to San Saba Street including street, utility and sidewalk improvements. Construction of a new bridge across Lake Creek is also included in the scope of the project. The $500 thousand allocation will establish a new 3.2 mile railroad quiet zone from Williamson County Road 172, Quick Hill Road, to A.W. Grimes Boulevard in Round Rock. The improvements include upgrading six public highway-Union Pacific rail crossings from two to four quadrant gates, adding medians and adding vehicle presence detection.

Passage of the bill in the House of Representatives is a critical step to ensure these important funds are provided to the city of Round Rock. If passed in the Senate the bill will proceed to a Conference Committee where both Houses of Congress will create a compromise bill to be presented to the President for signing.