Rep. Heath Shuler says he has spoken with Rep. James Obersater (D-Minn.), the chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, regarding the highway needs facing Western North Carolina, especially I-26 and I-40.
“The development and expansion of our economy depends on the ability to move people and products across our mountains,” said Shuler in a release. “The current traffic situation on Interstates 26 and 40 makes that movement extremely difficult at times. I expressed to Chairman Oberstar the frustrations felt by our residents and business owners about these circumstances and the limitations they place on us. I am confident that as we work toward the next reauthorization of the highway bill in 2009 the concerns and needs of Western North Carolina will be addressed.”
Shuler has also met with elected state representatives and the North Carolina Department of Transportation to discuss the transportation needs of the western part of the state.
“A strong North Carolina economy requires strength in every region, and I am working hard to make certain that our state government in Raleigh is working to address the transportation needs of our area. I look forward to continuing to work with our state senators and representatives to get the roads and infrastructure we need,” Shuler added.
Shuler is a member of the committee, where he sits on the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit.
— Hal L. Millard, staff writer
