U.S. Transportation Secretary Mineta Announces $693 Million for States in Highway Discretionary Funds

Topics:  Norman Mineta

Federal Highway Administration
16 June 2003

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, June 16, 2003
Contact: Jim Pinkelman
Telephone: 202-366-0660
FHWA 22-03

U.S. Transportation Secretary Norman Y. Mineta today announced $693 million in Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) discretionary funds for infrastructure projects in 50 states and the District of Columbia.

"The Bush Administration recognizes the need for continued strategic investment to improve America's transportation system," Secretary Mineta said. "These federal highway funds will help improve the transportation system, create jobs and benefit the economy."

The 498 grants were provided to the states in seven categories. The categories, number of grants and the totals provided, are:

• Borders and Corridors, 129 grants in 43 states, $255 million;
• Transportation and Community and System Preservation Pilot (TCSP) program, 113 grants in 37 states, $73.9 million;
• Interstate Maintenance, 54 grants in 30 states, $99.4 million;
• Bridge Replacement and Rehabilitation, 32 grants in 25 states, $68.6 million;
• Public Lands Highways, 59 grants in 29 states, $78.3 million;
• Ferry Boats and Terminals, 20 grants in 13 states, $17.9 million; and
• Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), 91 projects in 43 states, $99.8 million.

Borders and Corridors grants fund projects designed to improve border transportation infrastructure and operations that facilitate the safe movement of people and goods at or near the U.S.-Canada and the U.S.-Mexico borders as well as projects in the 44 congressionally designated high-priority corridors and other significant corridors based on factors specified in the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21). TCSP grants assist communities as they work to solve interrelated problems involving transportation, land development, environmental protection, public safety and economic development.

Interstate Maintenance grants provide funds for resurfacing, restoration, rehabilitation and reconstruction work, including added lanes to increase capacity, on most existing Interstate system routes. Bridge Replacement and Rehabilitation grants provide funds to help states and municipalities repair major bridges. Public Lands Highways grants provide funds for the construction of highways on public lands such as national parks. Ferry Boats and Terminals grants provide funds to facilitate movement of people and goods across inland and coastal waterways. Intelligent Transportation Systems grants fund uses in the latest computer and communications technology to maximize the use and the performance of the nation's infrastructure system.

The Secretary of Transportation makes FHWA discretionary funds available upon selection after requests from states for funds for projects that meet criteria established by federal law and U.S. Department of Transportation regulations and procedures. Congress also makes decisions on some grants.

Totals for the states and the District of Columbia are on the Internet at https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/discretionary/fy03congdes.htm.