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By Jim Thompson -Editor
The Jefferson Post

Rep. Virginia Foxx, R-NC, announced Friday she had secured $2 million to help fund the widening of U.S. 221 from Deep Gap to Jefferson.

Foxx had the line item added to H.R. 3, the Transportation Equity Act. This legislation, which includes federal funding for projects across the nation, was passed by the House Friday. It awaits action in the U.S. Senate.

"Transportation and infrastructure are key components of my economic development efforts for Ashe and Watauga counties," said Foxx. "That is why I worked so hard with local officials and Congressional leaders to secure these funds."

In a release issued by her office Friday, Foxx said that local leaders had called the widening of this main artery into Ashe County critical to economic development.

Foxx met with local officials to discuss funding priorities during her January listening tour of the Fifth District. She has also worked closely with Chairman Don Young of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure to ensure the local funds were included in H.R. 3.

"I am pleased that this bill has passed the House because it will encourage economic development, reduce traffic congestion and increase driver safety," said Rep. Foxx. "This is a great first step and I strongly encourage my colleagues in the U.S. Senate to pass this important legislation."

"First step" is a correct way to describe this funding, as it is only a small part of the projected total cost of widening the highway.

The project, numbered R-2915, is included in the N.C. Department of Transportation’s current TIP (Transportation Improvement Plan). The TIP shows the estimated cost of the 16-mile four-lane will be $68.45 million. That includes $10 million for right-of-way.

Under the present schedule for the widening, planning is currently underway. Design work is to begin during the fiscal year that starts July 1.

Right-of-way acquisition on the southern end of the project will start during the fiscal year that begins July 1, 2007, with construction on that part beginning sometime after July 1, 2009. Completion of the northern section will occur sometime after 2010.