Washington, Dec 20, 2007 -

U.S. Congressman John R. Carter (TX-31), a member of the House Appropriations Committee, secured $900 thousand for transportation improvement projects in Round Rock.  Carter was able to obtain $400 thousand for revitalization and improvements to downtown and Main Street and $500 thousand for new railroad quiet zones.

“As this appropriations process finally comes to completion, I am pleased to have some good news 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.
 
Both projects were included in the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) appropriations bill.  The THUD Appropriations Bill was part of the Omnibus Appropriations Bill that passed by the House of Representatives today.  This was the final legislative hurdle and the Omnibus now goes to the President to be signed into law.