The highway and transit bill passed by the U.S. House on Thursday could increase the amount of federal dollars sent to Southwest Washington.
U.S. Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler, R-Camas, worked to attach an amendment to the House bill that makes $272 million in funding available to improve bus services in Clark County. Jeff Hamm, the executive director of C-Tran, said in a statement that her efforts will allow the transit agency to “compete for more federal dollars to replace an aging bus fleet and continue to provide safe, reliable and efficient public transit in Clark County and the Portland Metro region.”
Local port authorities could also compete to improve bridges, such as Bridge of the Gods, according to a release from Herrera Beutler’s office.
The legislation does not include a gas tax hike.
“Southwest Washington residents and businesses deserve reliable public transportation, and bridges that allow them to safely and efficiently move people and goods,” Herrera Beutler said in a statement. “I’m pleased to have helped shape a six-year transportation bill that puts hard-earned tax dollars toward these important priorities.”
