Congressman Robert Hurt (R-Virginia) recently introduced H. Res. 585, along with Congresswoman Alma Adams (D-North Carolina), Congresswoman Barbara Comstock (R-Virginia), Congressman Bob Goodlatte (R-Virginia), Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-Virginia), and Congressman Tom Rice (R-South Carolina). This resolution promotes a cooperative effort among states along the Interstate 73 corridor that would be beneficial to its development.
Speaking about the legislation, Congressman Hurt said:
“Southside Virginia has a proud history as our economic engine for the Commonwealth. Unfortunately, too many of those jobs have disappeared, and persistent unemployment has negatively impacted the area. I-73 could be a game-changing infrastructure initiative that has the potential to spur economic growth in a region of Virginia that has suffered the highest unemployment rates in Virginia. By adopting this resolution, Congress will encourage the states along the corridor to engage in an interstate compact to facilitate the development of this project and allow these states to work together in their mutual interest. This resolution will permit South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio, and Michigan to negotiate with each other to facilitate and coordinate the design, construction, financing, and operation of the I-73 corridor. I thank Congressmen Adams, Comstock, Goodlatte, Griffith, and Rice for their support, and I am hopeful that we can encourage the states involved to continue advancing this job-creating infrastructure.”
“The expansion of I-73 is a much needed investment in Guilford County and North Carolina,” Congresswoman Alma Adams (D-North Carolina) added. “I join many of my colleagues in neighboring states to support the development of the I-73 corridor. This resolution demonstrates our bipartisan push to see this project come to fruition.”
“I-73 will be an important avenue for commerce and economic development in Virginia and the Sixth District,” Congressman Bob Goodlatte (R-Virginia)stated. “It has been my honor to work on behalf of my constituents to see I-73 become a reality, but until action is taken by the states to move forward with this project, the economic benefits of developing I-73 will continue to go unrealized. This resolution helps to encourage the states to move forward with the development of this project.”
“The I-73 project would allow for our area to improve our transportation hub, which would not only help us get goods into the southeast by improving the 220 corridor but would also take our natural distribution advantages and add the capacity to transport goods by road to the heart of the Great Lakes,”Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-Virginia) said. “In short, it would increase our significant position in the eastern United States for the distribution of goods. I thank Congressman Hurt for his leadership on this issue, and will continue working with him, our colleagues, and local officials in Virginia on advancing the I-73 project.”
“The last several months have been very productive for the I-73 project,” Congressman Tom Rice (R-South Carolina) added. “With passage of the highway bill, South Carolina’s pathway on mitigation, and Congressional advocates in Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina moving forward with efforts of coordination, I-73 is becoming a reality.”
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Chris Graham
