“I am pleased to announce these additional funds for Atascosa County road projects,” Congressman Cuellar said. “Thanks to the federal highway bill, Texas is estimated to receive more than $18 billion over the next five years. That is $2 billion more than provided under current funding levels. The Atascosa County road projects will include work on SH 97, SH 16, FM 140, US 281, and SH 173, all local roads used daily by both Atascosa County residents and travelers. These road improvement projects will help the commuting experience for local residents and enhance the flow of commercial traffic through the county.

“According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the population of Atascosa County has increased from 38,628 in 2000 to approximately 47,774 today. This increase of 24 percent, along with expansion in the energy sector, has added new stress to the county’s roads in terms of traffic as well as increased wear and tear. In order to address traffic flows through the county, these road improvement projects need funding to be completed.”

The federal highway bill was passed last week by both the House and Senate with resounding majorities. The bipartisan legislation was the first long-term highway funding bill to be passed by Congress since MAP-21 in 2012.