We're going to fund this program, and I think we've got enough support in Congress to do that.

PNNL is a very valuable asset to the State of Washington and it's going to be an enduring asset to the Tri-Cities community after Hanford clean-up is completed.

We stand ready to help America rebuild.

I want to thank the Clark County Commissioners for letting us hold our field hearing here.

Are there any efforts underway right now to identify or study how to improve some of the intermodal connections between rail and truck, seaports?

And grow your industry, that's our goal.

I'm surprised it's taken this long in a hearing to have that word to come up.

I want to reiterate for all of you, that this record will remain open for 15 days.

recognizing Senator Hatfield who has contributed so much to this region.

We have the highest unemployment in the Nation between the two States and Alaska.

I want to thank all of our witnesses for their testimony today.

One of the things I think we're all aware of in this region is that the I-5 Columbia River bridge is aging.

I want to thank all of our witnesses today.

We have many challenges. We'll be working with you on that.

The strategic plan that's been talked about is pretty ambitious.

Transportation is a critical part of that.

For every $1 billion spent on transportation over 47,000 new family wage jobs are created.

I would agree. I would just say that we have to also take into account regional impacts.

Everybody is saying to me why are you trying to cut the pay of the people who are still at work.

I think we have a real problem moving forward here.

In my home State of Washington, we have literally lost thousands of jobs in the last several years.

You and I are both here today for one simple reason, the status quo is not working.

I appreciate the opportunity to work with you as we address these important regional issues.

On the issue of crab rationalization which is before us now, I am confident that we will be able to work together.

Well, thank you very much, Mr.