[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 139 (Thursday, September 29, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: September 29, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
   CONFERENCE REPORT ON H.R. 4556, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND 
               RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 1995

                                 ______


                               speech of

                         HON. STEPHEN E. BUYER

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, September 28 1994

  Mr. BUYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the transportation 
appropriations conference report. I am pleased the committee has 
included $2.475 million in funding for the Hoosier Heartland Corridor.
  The Hoosier Heartland Industrial Corridor was authorized by the 
Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act as a high priority 
congressional corridor. This project will link Fort Wayne to Lafayette 
by a four-lane highway. It is one of the top priorities of the Indiana 
Department of Transportation and enjoys broad bipartisan support in the 
communities all along the project route.
  The Hoosier Heartland Corridor will become a vital link in the 
economic development of north central Indiana. The corridor is a major 
delivery route for manufacturers and producers of goods. Tractor 
trailers use the road as well as passenger cars and slow-moving farm 
equipment. In addition, many portions of the existing configuration of 
the highway are narrow, two-lane, with narrow shoulders and dropoffs. 
The State of Indiana has indicated that there will be a 50-percent 
reduction in accidents that will lead to savings both in terms of 
personal injuries and property damage.
  I appreciate the hard work of Congressman Wolf and Congressman Carr 
in producing this conference report. This funding is an important step 
in keeping this project on track. Although I recognize that the 
committee has limited resources available, I am grateful that the 
members recognize the significance of this project to north central 
Indiana.

                          ____________________