DOT 171-10
Contact: Nancy Singer
Phone: 202-366-0660

WASHINGTON - Work can officially begin on US 17 Septima Clark Parkway road improvements as a result of a signed agreement between the U.S. Department of Transportation and City of Charleston for $10 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act dollars, U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced today.

"This is another great example of Recovery Act dollars strengthening our transportation infrastructure and creating jobs," said Secretary LaHood. "Charleston travelers will get around more safely and efficiently as a result of this investment."

The $10 million grant TIGER (Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery) grant, part of the Recovery Act, is designed to promote innovative, multi-modal and multi-jurisdictional transportation projects that provide significant economic and environmental benefits to an entire metropolitan area, region or the nation.

"Recovery Act funds are helping to build better roads and making many communities more livable," said Federal Highway Administrator Victor Mendez. "Here in Charleston, the Septima Clark Parkway will improve traffic efficiency and safety, which are critical to residents and commuters alike."

TIGER funds will be used for the first phase of roadway improvements, which will accommodate a larger drainage project to alleviate flooding along US 17 between I-26 and the Ashley River in downtown Charleston. That section of the road is designed to provide safe access for all users and includes pavement and sidewalk upgrades and street lighting and landscaping.

US 17 is a regionally significant National Highway System route which serves as a gateway to Charleston and is also designated as an evacuation route.

The Department announced the selection of $1.5 billion worth of TIGER grants for 51 projects as part of the one-year anniversary of ARRA on February 17.

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