Federal Transportation officials were in Dayton on Monday to highlight the city’s I-75 revitalization project.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx is touring several cities around the country where major road construction projects are taking place. At the stop in Dayton, Foxx noted that the I-75 project is getting done with federal, state, and local dollars.
The Secretary also said that several of the nation's transportation funding programs are set to expire and he called on Congress to support a long-term transportation bill to keep projects like I-75 going.
"We've got a $3.6 trillion infrastructure deficit in this country." Foxx said. "If you take those projects that we know we need to do today and we stop planning because you don't know where the federal money is coming from, that amount is going to grow exponentially."
Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley was on hand for the Secretary’s speech. She reported the 1-75 project is ahead of schedule and under budget, but also supported the secretary’s call for continued infrastructure funding.
Of projects like I-75 in Dayton, the Mayor said, “So, that’s not something you build it and forget it. You have to continue to invest in it. Just like we’re doing with our water and sewer lines now, you must invest in your infrastructure.”
Whaley admitted that the I-75 project has been a lengthy one for Dayton residents and travelers to contend with, but easier, safer movement through Dayton and aesthetical improvements along the river will be the payoff.
