Washington, DC – Congressman Randy Neugebauer scored a big win for Permian Basin transportation Friday in securing funding for two major projects.  Neugebauer won approval of $5 million for the John Ben Shepperd Parkway in Odessa and $2 million for a feasibility study for the La Entrada al Pacifico Trade Corridor.

Neugebauer worked to include the funding in the House version of the new federal highway reauthorization bill, known as TEA-LU.  The measure overwhelmingly passed the House by a vote of 357-65.

“The Permian Basin needs better transportation to bring jobs back to the region and that is why I worked for this funding,” said Neugebauer.  “I have long known the benefits that La Entrada can provide because of my work with MOTRAN, area leaders, and the Ports-to-Plains Coalition before I came to Congress. We are all working together to make this project a reality and this funding is a good step toward that goal.”

The La Entrada al Pacifico Trade Corridor aims to relieve the current congestion at Texas border crossings, as well as enhance economic development in rural West Texas.  Supported by Texas leaders, including Governor Perry, La Entrada has been designated a trade priority corridor.  La Entrada will compliment Ports-to-Plains and will allow expedient and efficient transport of goods across the country.  This brings economic growth and prosperity to the region, the state, and the nation.

“We so appreciate Congressman Neugebauer and his efforts on behalf of La Entrada and for all of Texans and all the area.  He has worked diligently to help us meet our needs for transportation, economic development and community development,” said MOTRAN President James Beauchamp.

Neugebauer worked for the John Ben Shepperd project at the request of Odessa city leaders.  The interchanges at Interstate 20 and Business Interstate 20 have been identified by the City of Odessa, the Chamber of Commerce, and the community through the regional planning commission as the highest priority project for the city.  The city has worked closely with Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) in planning this.  Not only will these interchanges allow critical access to the new industrial park, but they will also serve as the connector from the largest inland chemical complex in the U.S. to the new industrial park, and further the growth area for residential and commercial development.

“Access to the industrial park is extremely limited right now.  This raises safety concerns with the number of trucks entering and exiting the area.  And, with the increasing traffic to and from the Family Dollar Distribution Center, the amount of truck traffic will only increase,” said Neugebauer.

Neugebauer also scored another victory relating to transportation.  In February, he won Science Committee approval of his amendment to increase transportation educational opportunities for women and minorities.  Neugebauer’s amendment, creating the Garrett Morgan Technology and Transportation Program, was included as part of H.R. 3551, the Surface Transportation Research and Development Act of 2004.  The amendment also increases funding levels for FY 2004-2009 for the program, which aims to improve the preparation, especially women and minorities, in science, technology, engineering and mathematics through curriculum development and other activities related to transportation.

Neugebauer worked with the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee to incorporate this amendment into the final highway reauthorization bill.

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