Gov. Gregoire�s statement on congressional action to reauthorize surface transportation bill

For Immediate Release: June 29, 2012

OLYMPIA � Gov. Chris Gregoire today thanked Congress for taking action to reauthorize the surface transportation bill:

�I thank Congress for passing the critical transportation reauthorization bill that will help continue to rebuild our economy, putting Washingtonians to work while making investments in our infrastructure. Last month, I outlined a series of important programs for our state, to include the ferry program and Projects of National Significance program, and am pleased that they�ve all been included. In Washington, our transportation infrastructure is a crucial economic driver and our dependence on freight mobility is vital to our economic competitiveness. Today, Congress ensured that the federal government remains a partner, helping us continue the amazing progress we�ve been making in all corners of our state.

�I also thank Congress for extending the lower interest rate on federally-subsidized student loans � positively affecting over 83,000 undergraduate students in Washington. Had Congress not acted, the interest rate on these Stafford loans would have doubled, making access to college that much more difficult.

�And, finally, Congress also extended a program that is of vital importance for our rural communities: Secure Rural Schools. Secure Rural Schools helps our rural communities continue to carry out much needed services through schools, libraries, police forces and public health agencies.�


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