[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 69 (Thursday, May 22, 1997)]
[House]
[Page H3176]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             IN SUPPORT OF CORRIDOR X AND ISTEA LEGISLATION

  (Mr. ADERHOLT asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. ADERHOLT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the completion 
of Corridor X as an important transportation project, not only for the 
Fourth Congressional District, but also the southern region of the 
United States.
  Few people realize there is no four-lane highway that connects the 
cities of Birmingham, AL, the largest city in the State of Alabama, and 
Memphis, TN. For economic development and safety reasons, this is an 
unacceptable omission from our national highway system.
  The completion of Corridor X could connect these two major 
metropolitan areas by running through Birmingham and through the Fourth 
Congressional District. It must be remembered that 30 years ago 
Congress passed legislation to create a system of highways in the 13-
State Appalachian region, including a route to connect Memphis and then 
through Birmingham.
  Unfortunately, today the people in my area still are waiting for this 
four-lane highway to be completed. Economic growth is hampered because 
it is so difficult to transport goods and services between Birmingham 
and Memphis and through the northwestern part of Alabama. The current 
inadequate two-line route is extremely dangerous, with traffic 
incidents or a fatality occurring almost every month in my district. 
Mr. Speaker, we need to reauthorize ISTEA and ensure that all States 
receive an equitable share of funds.

                          ____________________