U.S. Representative Michael C. Burgess (TX-26) today voted in favor of the 2006 Transportation Authorization Bill, increasing Texas’ rate of return for federal transportation dollars. The bill passed 412-8. As a member of the House Transportation Committee in the 108th Congress, Rep. Burgess was an early advocate to bring home more of Texas’ hard-earned tax dollars. “The long overdue passage of this year’s transportation bill is an accomplishment for Texas’ transportation system. Improving roads, growing our rate-of-return and increasing safety measures ultimately benefits Texas,” Congressman Michael Burgess said. Key among issues for Texas lawmakers was the increase of the rate-of-return for federal transportation dollars. Currently, for every $1 Texans send to Federal Highway Administration, they receive only 88 cents back. The 2006 Transportation Authorization Bill will allow for a gradual increase in the national rate of return from 90.5 percent in 2005 to 92.0 percent in 2009. The bill designates $286.4 billion to be distributed over the six-year life of the legislation among highway, transit and safety projects throughout the country. Because of Texas' proximity to Mexico and being at the crossroads for national trade, the state faces unique transportation challenges. Because of this situation, H.R. 3 directs $211.8 million to Texas to address border transportation needs. The Borders and Corridors Program under this bill has been dramatically modified to reflect the growth in travel, largely due to commercial activity, along the border region. The changes reflect a commitment to safely develop this vital corridor between the United States and Mexico. Congressman Michael Burgess was also able to secure his legacy issues from last term, namely his design-build concept and use of toll credits. “Design-Build” is a term to describe an innovative project delivery method that combines the design and construction of a toll road project into one contract rather than the traditional “Design-Bid-Build” method of having individual contracts for separate, sequential phases of a project. Congressman Burgess seeks to modify existing law give states additional flexibility to design and build roads concurrently, not sequentially. “By integrating the design-build portion of a project, we can complete projects in a more efficient and inexpensive manner,” stated Congressman Michael Burgess. “This philosophy of road building would bring relief to dangerous and congested roads that can’t wait another 20 years to get fixed.” Rep. Michael Burgess played an integral role in the development of the House of Representatives’ bill and offered an amendment on the floor. The amendment allows states to receive transportation development credits (“toll credits”) in a timely manner so they have available resources to reinvest in their transportation systems without constantly requesting additional federal monies to meet their needs. Toll credits recognize the non-federal state and local investment in toll facilities to help address traffic congestion in urbanized areas. Toll credits build on that state and local investment to provide financing options for needed highway, transit, and highway safety projects. "Congressman Burgess stuck with this from the minute he arrived on Capitol Hill. Burgess's ideas to multiply the value of our federal dollars are marbled throughout the bill: faster project delivery, new tolling options, transportation development credits, and inducements for private investment in public infrastructure. He has left an indelible print on this legislation and Texas will benefit from more options to fight congestion," said Ric Williamson, Chairman of the Texas Transportation Commission. Included in the six-year plan of the transportation bill are seven projects designed to improve the transportation system and structure in North Texas. Funding has been guaranteed for the following projects. Dollars 26th District of Texas Projects $ 5,600,000 Widen from 4 to 6 lanes Interstate 35 East from Lake Lewisville to Loop 288 $800,000 Union Pacific Railroad Bridge replacement over Business US 287, Fort Worth $800,000 Precinct Line Road Bridge $1,600,000 Tower 55 CMAQ Congestion and Preliminary Engineering Study $1,600,000 Add shoulders to FM 156 from Ponder to Krum $1,600,000 Interstate Highway 820 Widening Project $6,500,000 Relocation FM 156; Alliance Airport TOTAL - $18,500,000