The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“IN RECOGNITION OF THE GROUNDBREAKING OF I-35E” mentioning the U.S. Dept. of Transportation was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E1429 on Oct. 3, 2013.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
IN RECOGNITION OF THE GROUNDBREAKING OF I-35E
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HON. MICHAEL C. BURGESS
of texas
in the house of representatives
Thursday, October 3, 2013
Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate the long-awaited groundbreaking for the expansion of Interstate 35-East through Denton County. The initiation of this 28 mile project corridor of 1-35, built a half century ago, occurs on a segment of a highway critical to the economic well-being of Denton County, the State of Texas and our nation.
The I-35E project, initiated with $1.4 billion in funding, is the result of years of concerted effort by officials at the State, regional and local levels. Representing the largest single source of funding, Denton County Judge Mary Horn and the Denton County Commissioner's Court rightfully recognized the importance of the project by providing over half of the initial source funds. Their commitment of Denton County's Regional Toll Revenue funds and proceeds from two bond elections was used to initiate early acquisition for Right of Way, frontage roads and engineering. Based on the strong financial commitment by Denton County, support of cooperating agencies and partners such as Dallas County was secured, positioning the Regional Transportation Council, RTC, to prioritize and approve the additional state and federal funds necessary to make today's groundbreaking a reality.
Working cooperatively, state officials including Senators Chris Harris, Jane Nelson and Craig Estes, Representatives Myra Crownover, Tan Parker and Burt Solomons and Texas Department of Transportation Commissioner Bill Meadows supported my engagement at the federal level to remove obstacles and build the support for financial and other commitments necessary within the state. They also worked closely with the staff from the Texas Department of Transportation and the North Central Texas Council of Governments to engage Denton County and the cities of Lewisville, Highland Village, Hickory Creek, Lake Dallas, Corinth and Denton--the local Denton County communities through which this critical component of our nation's transportation infrastructure passes.
The I-35E project will not only serve to provide much-needed mobility improvements critical to our nation's economic welfare, it will also provide for other mobility enhancements. The project will impact factors critical to air quality, safety and other quality-of-life issues for both local residents and those who move to the rapidly growing Denton County communities on a daily basis.
As this project gets underway, I'm proud to honor the significant accomplishments that warrant this day of celebration for Denton County. I look forward to the improvements promised and am honored to represent the communities and constituents who comprise Denton County in the House of Representatives.
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