[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 66 (Monday, May 19, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E957]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              INTRODUCTION OF THE HIGHWAY RESTORATION ACT

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                            HON. RAY LaHOOD

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 16, 1997

  Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, today, I along with Congressman Lipinski and 
ten other colleagues are introducing the Highway Restoration Act. This 
bill will address the tremendous need that has arisen for the 
maintenance and restoration of our Interstate Highway System.
  The National Highway System is second to none in its ability to 
provide an efficient and safe network of roads, highways, and bridges 
linking the country together. Its existence has been crucial to our 
national defense and to interstate commerce. The System that we know 
today was largely the result of President Eisenhower's leadership and 
foresight, and just last year, we celebrated its 40th anniversary.
  Unfortunately, many pieces of this 42,000-mile system are getting old 
and in need of repair. Current Federal programs for interstate 
maintenance and restoration do not adequately address the growing costs 
and needs associated with our aging highways. That is why I have 
introduced the Highway Restoration Act of 1997. This bill calls for 
funding the Discretionary Interstate Resurfacing, Restoration, 
Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Program [I-4R] at $800 million per 
year. The I-4R Program is the Federal discretionary program responsible 
for helping States maintain our highways, and it is separate from the 
Interstate Maintenance Program [IM] which distributes funds to the 
States based on a formula.
  An adequately funded I-4R Program is necessary to ensure the 
longevity of our Interstate Highway System, because it allows factors, 
other than lane miles and vehicle miles traveled, to be taken into 
account when funds are distributed. Such factors for which the I-4R 
Program is able to account, include: The need to complete a project in 
a short period of time in order to reduce or minimize traffic 
disruptions; a particularly costly section of highway; traffic 
congestion caused by repair work; and delays in construction. The I-4R 
Program gives States the flexibility they need to effectively manage 
the repairs and preservation of our highways. Thus, sufficient funding 
for this program is crucial if we are to prolong the lifespan of our 
Interstate System, and I urge all of my colleagues to join me as a 
cosponsor of this important piece of legislation.

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