Hopson Announces the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act
March 25, 2009The Cherokeean Herald
State Representative Chuck Hopson (Jacksonville) announces the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) will provide Houston, Panola and Rusk Counties more than $11 million to perform much-needed maintenance work on four roadways in the area.
In Houston County, Business 287N to US 287 will be resurfaced and the roadway between FM 227 and State Highway 21 to State Highway 7 will be widened. Both of these projects are estimated to begin April 2009.
Panola County will have US 79-1 mile South of Mill Creek to FM 31 at Deberry widened; and Rusk County will have the roadway repaired from the US 259/Business 259 split South of Kilgore South to FM 850 at Jacobs. These projects are estimated to begin April 2009.
“The goal of the ARRA is to put people to work by creating and retaining jobs,” Representative Chuck Hopson said. “By investing this $11 million dollars into East Texas, we feel we are doing our part to help jump start the economy. The ARRA provides us with a unique opportunity to invest in the maintenance of our roads that we would otherwise not be able to afford.”
The funding level for each TxDOT district was based on population, lane miles, vehicle traffic, and pavement conditions. Once the funding level was allocated, the District Engineers identified the needed projects based on bridge and pavement conditions, as well as geometric needs and coordination with local officials.
Rep. Hopson is Chairman of the House Committee on General Investigating & Ethics and serves on the Public Health and Pensions, Investments & Financial Services Committees. He represents Cherokee, Houston, Panola and Rusk Counties.
