Chet Edwards For Congress

June 16, 2006
$400,000 approved to pave C.R. 172

Navasota Examiner

Residents in the Keith area can look forward to better driving conditions after an announcement by U.S. Rep. Chet Edwards that $400,000 has been approved to pave C.R. 172.

Edwards, a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, added the funding in the 2007 Transportation Appropriations bill, which was passed by the Committee last week.

“Improving C.R. 172 is a safety and economic development issue for Grimes County, and I am thrilled that the Appropriations Committee agreed to fund my request for this important transportation investment,” said Edwards.

“I want to commend Commissioners Pam Finke, John Bertling and the Grimes County Commissioners Court for bringing this project to my attention. It is clear to me that improving transportation infrastructure is a top local priority that will create new jobs, encourage economic growth and improve quality of life for area residents,” said Edwards.

Specifically, this project would repave the travel surface on C.R. 172 for a distance of two miles and expand the surface to 20 feet. The surface will be repaved with an asphalt overlay. This project would also straighten a sharp curve on the roadway, which primarily serves the citizens of Keith and Iola in Grimes County.

“As I have listened to community leaders and citizens throughout Grimes County, they have repeatedly said that improving roads and highways is key to economic growth and bringing in new businesses to Grimes County. This was a good example of good people working together in good faith to invest in an important project,” said Edwards.

“Grimes County is elated with the idea of getting federal funding for a project that could not have happened without the work of Congressman Edwards and the members of the House Appropriations Committee,” said County Commissioner Pam Finke. “We really appreciate it.”

Last year, Edwards secured $400,000 for bridge construction in Grimes County. The bill is now expected to pass the House next week and move to the Senate. Edwards is optimistic the funding will remain in the bill and will work to shepherd it through the legislative process.

Edwards is a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee.