    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1995, Book II)]
    [August 4, 1995]
    [Pages 1204-1205]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on Signing the District of Columbia Emergency Highway Relief
    Act
    August 4, 1995

        Today I am pleased to sign into law H.R. 2017, the District of
    Columbia Emergency Highway Relief Act, a law to enable our Nation's
    capital city to advance critically needed highway construction projects.
    By temporarily waiving the District's cost-sharing requirements for
    these projects, this legislation assists the District during its period
    of fiscal crisis in a very practical and important way without imposing
    any additional cost on the American taxpayer.
        Recognizing the importance of maintaining the District's highways
    for its residents, commuters from throughout the national capital area,
    and thousands of tourists from around the Nation and the world, this
    Administration initiated legislation to secure a similar temporary
    waiver for the District. With bipartisan and intergovernmental support,
    and through the dedicated efforts of members of the congressional
    delegation from this region, this legislation was expeditiously passed
    by both houses of Congress.
        The District will be held accountable for the funds advanced for
    highway construction under this bill. The District is required to repay
    its

    [[Page 1205]]

    share and must establish a dedicated highway fund to ensure it is able
    to make this repayment and to meet its matching share requirement in the
    future.
        This legislation will enable the District to begin rebuilding its
    infrastructure almost immediately, as projects that were stalled for
    months due to a lack of funds can now quickly resume, creating many new
    jobs and safer streets for all who come to our Nation's capital.

                                                          William J. Clinton

    The White House,

    August 4, 1995.

    Note: H.R. 2017, approved August 4, was assigned Public Law No. 104-21.