Congresswoman Adams Votes for Five-Year Highway Reauthorization

Washington, DC – Congresswoman Alma S. Adams (NC-12) today voted with 358 of her Democratic and Republican colleagues in the House to adopt the conference report that reauthorizes highway, bridge, transportation safety, and public transit projects for the next five years. The measure provides $281 billion in guaranteed funding for these programs over these five years. The measure also reauthorizes the critically important Export-Import Bank for four years, which helps American workers and businesses compete in the global economy.

"For far too long, I've had to vote for one short term extension after another to help fund critical transportation projects in North Carolina's 12^th District," said Congresswoman Adams. "Today, I'm proud to have voted for a long term bill that guarantees funding for the next five years, providing much needed certainty for our state and local governments."

Congresswoman Adams continued, "This legislation is critical for projects like the LYNX Gold Line Phase 2 and the Lexington Depot. I'm also proud that this legislation reauthorizes the Export Import Bank. This bill is a major step in the right direction, however, more investments are needed to repair and rebuild our aging roads and bridges. I will continue to fight alongside my colleagues for additional funding for our highways, bridges and transit."

The conference report includes key provisions that:

Increase surface transportation funding for North Carolina by $490 million, with $34 million of that being for public transportation.

Boost commerce and strengthens our economic competitiveness by providing dedicated funding specifically for freight projects, including freight rail, for the first time.

Inject $3.7 billion over five years into bus funding – a 75 percent increase over current levels. This will reduce traffic congestion, by providing more public transportation options.

Authorize $10.2 billion for intercity passenger rail investment, including Amtrak, while providing $199 million in guaranteed funding to help commuter railroads implement Positive Train Control systems.