WASHINGTON – Congressman Spencer Bachus (AL-6) today announced $1.075 million in federal funding for the McWrights Ferry Road Extension project in the City of Tuscaloosa.

Bachus worked to secure funds that will be used for engineering and right-of-way acquisition for the major road extension project between Rice Mine Road and New Watermelon Road.  The route is considered essential to improving traffic flow in one of the fastest growing areas of the city.  The project would include highway extensions and lane widenings and the construction of a new five-lane bridge over North River.

Currently, an accident or traffic blockage on New Watermelon Road can result in major delays and long detours for drivers because there are no convenient alternate routes to the City of Tuscaloosa.

Congressman Bachus said, “The McWrights Ferry Road Extension project will help relieve traffic congestion in an area experiencing rapid growth. This funding will help the City of Tuscaloosa with the groundwork needed for a major project that will benefit drivers and promote continued development.”

            Funding for the project was included in legislation (H.R. 1995) passed by the House yesterday.  The bill, previously approved by the Senate, will be sent to President Bush for his signature.