Press Releases

Moore Also Worked to Include Funding for Hoan Bridge

Washington, DC – Today, an amendment offered by U.S. Congresswoman Gwen Moore (D-Milwaukee) to help qualified small and minority-owned businesses compete for transportation projects passed to the transportation funding bill for fiscal year 2011.

The House is expected to vote on the overall bill later this evening.

Congresswoman Moore said, “When it comes to Federal contracts, small businesses have a tough time getting their foot in the door.  And that’s doubly true for minority-owned small businesses.  We need to do better than that to help pull our economy out of this recession.  My amendment sends the message that helping qualified small businesses participate in transportation projects must be a top priority.”

Moore’s amendment increases funding for small and minority-owned business outreach efforts by $325,000.  Specifically, her amendment directs $225,000 for counseling and technical support to help small businesses apply for federal transportation work and $100,000 to the U.S. Department of Transportation office charged with developing policies to help ensure fair competition for small businesses.

Moore also offered an amendment to help cover costs to redeck the Hoan Bridge.  Her amendment, which would have directed $500,000 for use on the Hoan, was ruled out of order  Moore spoke on the House floor with Congressman John Olver, Chairman of the House Appropriations Transportation Subcommittee, about working in the future on the bridge.  

Additionally, the bill also allows for $250 million in transit funding to be used for operational costs.  Congress must pass separate legislation to free up the funding, which would ease the burden on local transit agencies, which – just like Milwaukee County’s – have turned to fare increases and service reductions.