[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E973]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            CLARIFYING FEDERAL FUNDS FOR MOORHEAD, MINNESOTA

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. COLLIN C. PETERSON

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 22, 1998

  Mr. PETERSON of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, the purpose of this statement 
is to demonstrate the clear legislative intent for federal funding to 
``Reconstruct SE Main Avenue and Related Improvements, completing 34th 
St. Corridor Project, Moorhead, Minnesota'' contained in H.R. 2400, The 
Building Efficient Surface Transportation and Equity Act of 1998 or 
``BESTEA.'' The intent of this federal allocation is based upon an 
agreement reached between the City of Moorhead Township.
  To clarify the legislative intent of the current federal allocation 
to the City of Moorhead, Minnesota under H.R. 2400 as understood and 
agreed to by both the City of Moorhead, and Moorhead Township, the 
following description applies:
  First, no railroad relocation can take place under this project 
regardless of the source of funding for that relocation unless the 
Moorhead Township agrees with the City of Moorhead on all aspects of 
the railroad relocation.
  Second, $250,000 of this funding will be used to study the 
interchange and rail relocation alternatives and will be conducted 
jointly and with a coequal status between the City of Moorhead and 
Moorhead Township:
  These funds shall be made available for a local commission called The 
Commission to Study Alternatives of Rail Relocation in the Moorhead 
Region. This commission shall consist of three members representing the 
Township of Moorhead and three members representing the City of 
Moorhead. The commission shall also consist of a seventh member agreed 
to by both the City of Moorhead and Moorhead Township. No funds for 
rail relocation can be made available until agreement is reached by 
this commission for alternative sites or plans.
  Intended funding for this project shall be used only for those phases 
of the 34th Street Corridor Project as outlined in the attached 
information.

                          ____________________