FURNITURE MARKET SHUTTLE RECEIVES MORE FUNDS COBLE SAYS

Washington, Sep 16 - The planned shuttle bus system being constructed to serve the International Home Furnishings Market in High Point will be receiving another $675,000, U.S. Rep. Howard Coble (R-NC) announced this afternoon. Congressman Coble said this is in addition to the more than $2 million he announced in June for the modern transportation system.

Rep. Coble said today that the actual amount of $675,686 comes from the 2005 fiscal year Transportation and Treasury appropriations bill. The earlier announced funds were from both 2004 and 2005 fiscal years Transportation and Treasury bills which totaled $2,044,570. In addition, Congressman Coble was able to secure another $5 million in the just-passed highway spending bill.

“Because High Point becomes home to some 70,000 visitors twice a year during the Furniture Market,” Rep. Coble said, “downtown High Point cannot handle the additional vehicular traffic. The new shuttle bus system is urgently needed to ensure that High Point can efficiently and safely move all of our guests. This new system is vitally important in light of the increased competition from Las Vegas.”

The proposed terminal would remain in the Commerce Street area between Hamilton Street and Wrenn Street, but with major upgrades. During phase one, the current sidewalk on the south side of the terminal would be expanded to add more space for passengers waiting to board shuttles for the showrooms, park-and-ride lots, and the airport. The existing four-lane street would be reduced to two lanes – one in each direction. Also, approximately .59 acres of property would be acquired for the project.

Rep. Coble said the money from the highway bill would be distributed during a four-year span. The first installment of $1,153,680 will be distributed sometime during fiscal year 2006 which begins October 1, 2005. The total amount will be $5,016,000.