Jeff Bingaman United States Senator from New Mexico

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jeff Bingaman today said he is pleased the Senate voted to approve a bill that will restore millions of dollars to help maintain the country's highways.

Bingaman said the legislation passed today closes a funding shortfall in the Highway Trust Fund that would have reduced by approximately one-third -- or more than about $94 million -- the amount of funding New Mexico is slated to receive in 2009 for highway maintenance and improvement.  The Highway Trust Fund is funded by a tax on gasoline, and in recent years it has seen a reduction in revenues because Americans are driving less and using more fuel efficient vehicles.

"New Mexico relies on the Highway Trust Fund to help keep its federal highways in top shape.  This bill would help improve safety on our state's roads and will also create jobs in the process," Bingaman said.

The bill will now go to the U.S. House of Representatives for final passage before it is ready to be signed into law.