The bill passed the House by a vote of 270-147.
The conference report makes sorely needed investments in the nation’s transportation infrastructure and safety, and funds key Housing and Urban Development programs. It includes $1 billion to address deficient bridges across America; sufficient funds to renew all current housing vouchers, and to provide 15,500 new vouchers for veterans, the disabled, and low income families; a 500% increase in funds to alleviate problems caused by the sub-prime mortgage crisis by providing housing counseling to help homeowners stay in their homes; $3.79 billion for Community Development Block Grants; $3.5 billion for airport efficiency, modernization and safety grants; $1.45 billion for Amtrak; and over $85 million to improve pipeline and rail safety.
“Once again, I am proud that this Congress is taking strong steps to prioritize our domestic needs,” stated Rep. Grijalva. “This bill addresses the important challenges of keeping our transportation system safe and ensures that every American has adequate shelter.”
Representative Grijalva worked to include funding for several projects located in his district, which are as follows:
· $1,000,000 for highway improvements on the Tohono O ‘ odham Nation near Sells, AZ.
· $1,375,000 for the improvement of I-10 in western Maricopa County , AZ , through the cities and towns of Avondale, Goodyear and Buckeye.
· $250,000 for a youth cultural center for the Dunbar Project – An African American Museum & Cultural Center located in downtown Tucson , AZ.
· $1,000,000 for the City of Tucson to purchase alternative fuel replacement buses and to complete the final phase of construction of a bus storage and maintenance facility.
