Newhouse Votes to Secure Funding to Meet America's Infrastructure, Housing Demands

Press Release 
For Immediate Release: June 4, 2026
Contact: Juan Ayala, (202) 713-7750 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) released the following statement upon Committee passage of the Fiscal Year 2027 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill.  

"America’s highways, railroads, bridges, and air traffic control towers are in desperate need of improvements to handle our ever-growing economy," said Rep. Newhouse. 

Newhouse continued, "Affordable housing programs provide low-income individuals, seniors, and the disabled with assistance to achieve home ownership. Coupled together, this appropriations package will help revitalize rural communities across our country. This legislation includes nearly $10 million in funding for infrastructure projects throughout Central Washington to improve traffic flows, accessibility, and streamline commerce. This is an important step in funding these critical agencies, and I look forward to advancing this bill on to the Senate.”

The Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill provides a total discretionary allocation of $92.224 billion, which is $10.659 billion (10.4%) below the Fiscal Year 2026 enacted level. This level reflects the America First agenda by including responsible levels for housing programs and reprioritizing transportation funding to meet infrastructure needs across the nation.  

The legislation also provides a non-defense discretionary total of $91.79 billion and a defense discretionary total of $434 million. Prioritizing air traffic control infrastructure, this bill funds controller hiring and transportation safety while maintaining essential housing assistance for our nation’s most vulnerable. Taken together with $83.285 billion in obligation limitations for highway and airport trust fund programs, the bill provides $111.571 billion in total budgetary resources to improve the safety and efficiency of our nation’s transportation system.  

The full committee markup can be viewed here. 

Rep. Newhouse secured the following funding for projects in Central Washington.  

Benton County Community Agricultural Center  

Amount: $750,000 

Description: Benton County is seeking to rehabilitate the Benton County Community Agricultural Center to transform it from a seasonal, underutilized structure into a safe, year-round multi-use facility. Currently, the building's lack of insulation, climate control, and modern utilities restricts its use, leaving a significant gap in affordable space for youth organizations like 4-H and FFA. The project will upgrade structural elements, plumbing, electrical systems, and HVAC technology while adding small-animal wash areas and energy-efficient lighting. Once completed, the rehabilitated space will serve as a venue for local nonprofits and community groups, focusing on agricultural education and youth programming.  

City of Sunnyside, Edison Bridge Replacement Project  

Amount: $2,000,000 

Description: The Edison Bridge in Sunnyside has reached the end of its service life and due to its low sufficiency rating and dangerous safety record. Funding for this replacement project will allow for a modern crossing with optimized roadway geometry and improved turning radii to enhance safety and traffic flow. Beyond reducing crash frequency, the project will support the regional economy by ensuring reliable farm-to-market access for agricultural equipment and commercial freight while providing short-term construction jobs. Federal investment is critical to maintaining this coordinated project delivery, as the state’s larger infrastructure investments in the area cannot proceed without the bridge being replaced first. 

City of Kennewick, Phase II of the Columbia Center Boulevard Widening Project 

Amount: $2,000,000 

Description: Phase II of the Columbia Center Boulevard Widening Project will eliminate a major bottleneck by expanding the segment between Grandridge Boulevard and Deschutes Avenue into a six-lane configuration, enhancing safety and capacity for 24,000 daily vehicles. The project includes intersection reconstruction, improved traffic signals, and added pedestrian infrastructure to support the Tri-Cities' primary economic district. 

Completion of this final phase will boost regional mobility and freight access, supporting hundreds of jobs and economic development in the Vista Field and Three Rivers areas.  

City of Richland, SR 240/Snively Road Improvement Project 

Amount: $1,500,000 

Description: The City of Richland is seeking federal funding to realign Snively Road and construct a new, signalized intersection at State Route 240, primarily to provide safe access to a proposed Washington State Veterans Cemetery that would serve roughly 46,000 regional veterans. This project aims to overcome high development costs for the site while enhancing a key corridor that experiences significant traffic and safety needs. 

Beyond improving access to the veterans' facility, the project serves as a strategic investment to enhance safety, improve traffic operations for the growing Horn Rapids area, and establish a high-visibility gateway into the Tri-Cities. The realignment supports residential and commercial growth and addresses existing deficiencies at the current Snively Road intersection. 

City of Yakima, Yakima Airport Terminal Modernization Project, Phase III 

Amount: $1,500,000 

Description: Phase 3 of the Yakima Airport terminal modernization will involve the upgrade of essential public-facing infrastructure, including airline counters and baggage intake systems. These improvements will integrate modern electrical and mechanical systems designed to meet current Transportation Security Administration standards while significantly reducing processing delays for both passengers and cargo. By eliminating operational bottlenecks, the project will ensure the airport can handle increased traffic safely and efficiently. The modernized terminal will support the movement of time-sensitive agricultural products and enhance service reliability. Additionally, the project will incorporate energy-efficient systems and ADA-compliant facilities, reducing long-term operating costs while ensuring equitable access for all residents and businesses in the Yakima Valley. 

City of Union Gap Regional Beltway Connector Phase 2B 

Amount: $2,000,000 

Description: Funding is requested to construct the Stage 2B roundabout and intersection improvements for the Regional Beltway Connector. The project will construct a modern roundabout at a key junction connecting Interstate 82, U.S. Route 97, Ahtanum Road, and western Yakima Valley destinations. Work includes roadway approaches, drainage, illumination, traffic control features, and ADA-compliant pedestrian and bicycle facilities. 

Construction of the Stage 2B roundabout will improve traffic operations and safety while supporting future freight movement through the corridor. The project will reduce conflicts between heavy trucks, local traffic, pedestrians, and bicyclists, improve emergency response reliability, and strengthen access between agricultural and industrial areas and the interstate system.