ALTMIRE'S I-376 CLARIFICATION CLEARED FOR PRESIDENT'S SIGNATUREAltmire's advancement of I-376 designation helps pave the way for future economic development |
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(Washington, DC) — U.S. Congressman Jason Altmire (PA-04) successfully advanced the designation of the future I-376 corridor as part of legislation cleared for the president’s signature today. By a vote of 358-51, the House enacted final passage of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) Technical Corrections bill (H.R. 1195), which contains language to clarify the future I-376 corridor by removing Route 422 from its official definition. Currently, a two-mile section of Route 422 overlaps with Pennsylvania Route 60 in Lawrence County, creating unnecessary confusion ahead of the I-376 designation. “Making this technical correction is an important step forward in the I-376 designation project, which is going to be a powerful economic development tool for western Pennsylvania,” Altmire said. “Pittsburgh International Airport is the only major airport not on a federal interstate. For years, this has hurt our region’s efforts to attract new companies. The I-376 designation will create a seamless commercial corridor that can be a valuable marketing tool to help lure new businesses and new jobs to our region.” In addition to this technical correction, Congressman Altmire obtained $750,000 in last year’s budget for safety upgrades to the Route 60/422 Interchange in Union Township, Lawrence County. This is one of two infrastructure improvements that must be completed before the Department of Transportation will officially recognize the corridor as I-376. Congressman Altmire is now laying the groundwork needed to complete the I-376 designation project. As the only member from western Pennsylvania on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Congressman Altmire will play a key role in shaping next year’s Highway Reauthorization Bill, which lays out federal transportation and infrastructure funding priorities for the next five years. Last week, Congressman Altmire brought the Chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Congressman James Oberstar (MN-08), to western Pennsylvania to highlight the region’s transportation priorities, including the I-376 project. “When I brought Chairman Oberstar to western Pennsylvania last week, I showed him how vital the I-376 designation project is to our region’s future,” Altmire said. “When we reauthorize the highway bill next year, one of my top priorities will be advancing the I-376 designation project so our region can reap its benefits as soon as possible.” # # # |