WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Pat Roberts today announced the Senate approved the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill for Fiscal Year 2008.

"I am pleased the Senate swiftly acted to approve critical improvements to the nation’s infrastructure including several key investments to Kansas roads and community development," Roberts said.

Senator Roberts personally worked to secure the following projects for Kansas:

• $1 million for the National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) at Wichita State University to research the effects of aging on small aircraft. U.S. Senator Sam Brownback worked together with Senator Roberts on this project
• $500,000 for construction and improvements to County Road One (RS-29) south of I-70 to K-32 in Leavenworth County
• $1 million for intersection rehabilitation and improvements to US 24 and Marlatt Avenue in Manhattan, also a joint project with Senator Brownback
• $1 million for Wyandotte County Unified Government transit bus replacement and facilities enhancements
• $500,000 for the City of Atchison for pedestrian mall redevelopment associated with the city’s sewer replacement project
• $300,000 for United Methodist Youthville, Dodge City, to provide a central kitchen/dining facility for the campus in compliance with federal regulations
• $300,000 for Wichita for the 21^st Street Industrial Corridor Revitalization Plan and pre-engineering designs.

The bill now goes to a conference committee to resolve differences between the House and Senate bills.

-30-