[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 112 (Wednesday, July 12, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1426]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



[[Page E 1426]]


 INTRODUCTION OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA EMERGENCY HIGHWAY RELIEF ACT 
                                OF 1995

                                 ______


                       HON. ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON
                      of the district of columbia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 12, 1995
  Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing the District of 
Columbia Emergency Highway Relief Act of 1995, that would require the 
District to pay its Federal matching share of highway funds in fiscal 
year 1997. This legislation must be enacted by the House and the Senate 
this month if the District is to avoid losing millions of dollars in 
Federal funds and missing another construction season. Without the 
swift passage of this legislation in both Chambers, $82 million in 
fiscal year 1995 apportioned moneys and a similar amount in fiscal year 
1996 moneys to the District of Columbia will evaporate effective August 
1, 1995. During this period of acute fiscal crisis, such a result would 
be absurd and counterproductive, and would jeopardize the safety and 
well-being of local, regional, and national travelers on District 
roads. This should be considered unacceptable for the Nation's Capital.
  At present, no new highway projects are planned this year in the 
District, and no new bids have been solicited over the past 20 months 
because the city's fiscal crisis has left the city unable to meet the 
matching funds requirement for Federal moneys. With this bill, vital 
District projects to improve the major gateways into the city could 
proceed, aiding more tourists and commuters than DC residents.
  Under this legislation, the District would be required to repay any 
cost share that is waived. Such cost share waivers have substantial 
precedent: in 1975 after passage of the Federal jobs stimulus bill; in 
the 1982 highway bill when the gas tax was increased 5 cents; and in 
the 1991 transportation bill when program funding was increased. All 
totaled, 39 States have been granted such cost share waivers under 
these three authorities. It should also be emphasized that this bill 
gives the District no extra Federal highway money, but only allows the 
city to use its own Federal aid funds.
  Time is of the essence. If the Congress does not grant the District 
this waiver before July 31, 1995, the District will lose millions in 
irretrievable Federal funds. This would be a major loss for the 
District, but an even greater loss to the region and to the Nation.


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