Carter Secures Transportation Funds

Washington, Mar 10, 2005 -

U.S. Representative John Carter (TX-31) secured $8 million for transportation in Bell County.  The funding requested by Carter was included in the H.R. 3 - Transportation Equity Act, which passed the House this afternoon.

“Transportation is an ongoing concern for the people of Central Texas.” Carter continued by saying, “This funding will hopefully ease some traffic woes and offer better access to Killeen’s new airport.”

Carter acquired $6 million to connect three state highways (SH 201, SH 195 and US 190) and IH-35 to the newly opened Killeen/Ft. Hood Regional Airport.  The road will be Killeen’s south loop, offering better access to the airport, serving new educational facilities, connecting Central Texas to international trade routes, and improving the connectivity from Killeen to Georgetown.

Also included, was $2 million to widen SH317, near Temple, from two to four lanes in certain sections.  The widening would improve traffic flow, decrease congestion, increase fuel efficiency and decrease the potential for accidents.

“The first step has been made, having the funding in the bill.  Now, it is up to the Senate to take the next step. ”The transportation funding is not finalized until passed by the Senate and signed into law by the President.