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Coble: Transportation bill could mean $60 million for Triad highways
Triangle Business Journal

The U.S. House of Representatives transportation committee has approved $275 billion to be spent over the next six years on the nation's highways, of which about $60 million would be spent on roads and transportation for Guilford, Randolph and Rowan counties, said Rep. Howard Coble, R-Sixth District.

The money primarily would be spent on upgrading and expanding roads, but also for public transportation efforts in High Point, Coble said.

Congress and the White House have been debating a highway bill since last year. Last month, the Senate passed a $318 billion version of the highway bill, and the White House announced President Bush would veto a $256 billion bill that the House of Representatives was considering. This $275 billion spending bill is considered a compromise.

If approved, this version earmarks funding for the following Triad projects:

* $6.6 million to upgrade US 220 and Interstates 73 and 74 in Randolph County.
* $16 million to expand roads and replace traffic signals across Greensboro.
* $2.4 million for a covered bus terminal and $2.6 million for a bus terminal and parking lot in downtown High Point to help transit passengers attending International Home Furnishings Market events.
* $11.6 million to construct a central facility for the Piedmont Authority for Regional Transportation; and,
* $18.6 million for new bus purchases and bus facilities across the Triad.

"There is still much work to do before these funds are secured," Coble said. "We cleared a huge hurdle today."

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