Washington, DC-Rep. Donald Norcross (NJ-01) today voted to pass a long-term transportation bill, the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act. The bipartisan legislation now awaits President Obama’s signature.

“I’ve repeatedly called for a long-term fix, and today Congress finally acted. For far too long, we’ve been kicking the can down the road with short-term fixes. It's time to stop just patching potholes and start paving new roads. This five year, $281 billion spending plan gives the American public hope that urgently needed dollars will flow into their communities to ensure crumbling roads, bridges and rails will get the attention they need to ensure everyone’s safety,” said Rep. Norcross. “Furthermore, this funding keeps the hardworking men and women of South Jersey on the job to complete critical projects like the ongoing redesign of I-295 in Bellmawr. This also provides relief and predictability for businesses as they consider long-term investments in our local economy.”

Among the projects that would benefit from a long-term transportation bill in Rep. Norcross’s Congressional District are “Direct Connection,” a 7-year, $900 million highway project at the intersection of Interstates 295 and 76 and State Route 42; also, the highway project known as “Missing Moves,” which would construct on and off ramps between Interstate 295 and State Route 42.

The legislation also includes a provision supported by Rep. Norcross that keeps intact vital funding for mass transit programs, including New Jersey Transit. Congressman Norcross advocated the funding be reinserted into the final bill after it was initially taken out.

Under the FAST Act, New Jersey will receive more than $5.2 billion in federal highway funds over five years, an additional $469 million in funding, while mass transit programs in the Garden State will receive more than $3.1 billion over that same time period, representing an additional $238 million in funding.

In July, Rep. Norcross authored a commentary for the South Jersey Times on the importance of a long-term transportation funding deal to South Jersey.

Congressman Donald Norcross is a member of the House Armed Services Committee and the House Budget Committee, and serves as an Assistant Whip in the 114th Congress.