October 27, 2004
Contact: Doug Hecox, 202-366-0660
FHWA 19-04i

U.S. DOT Grant to Fund New U.S. 53 Bypass In Eau Claire, Wisconsin

A Federal Highway Administration grant worth more than $720,000 will help fund a new bypass over U.S. 53 to ease traffic congestion and help spur business development, U.S. Transportation Secretary Norman Y. Mineta announced today.

"This funding will help communities in Wisconsin compete in the national marketplace," said Secretary Mineta. "As our economy continues driving ahead, the Bush Administration continues investing in projects that fuel opportunity and prosperity in communities across America."

U.S. 53 is a critical link in the Corridors 2020 highway network, an initiative to create a 3,650-mile network of safe and efficient highways providing accessibility from all areas of Wisconsin to national markets. More than 40,000 vehicles travel U.S. 53 each day. The bypass grant totals $721,054.

"President Bush knows that transportation investments are ensuring that goods make it to store shelves, and helping drivers in Wisconsin get to their jobs and home again safely and on time," said Federal Highway Administrator Mary E. Peters.

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FHWA Press Room