The U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday passed the Highway and Transportation Funding Act of 2014, a move that would continue the funding of highway maintenance projects after the end of the fiscal year.

Because of a discrepancy about monies entering the Highway Trust Fund, the fund is projected to be depleted by the end of July. But the House voted 367-55 to approve House Resolution 5021, a short-term fix that would keep money in the fund until May 2015.

The legislation goes to the Senate for consideration. President Barack Obama has voiced support of the bill.

Rep. Charles Boustany, R-Lafayette, supported the resolution. He said in a prepared statement that “several important highway projects” will support “the huge economic boom in Calcasieu and Cameron (parishes) fueled by the production and export of liquefied natural gas.”

“As we continue preparing for this increased investment that will bring thousands of new jobs and residents to this area, we must have a system of roads and bridges able to accommodate a new level of traffic,” he said.

Boustany said he worked with members of the House Ways and Means Committee to find a bipartisan solution that will keep Louisiana highways well-maintained.

Deidra Druilhet, a spokeswoman for the state Department of Transportation and Development, said the DOTD is not putting any projects on hold, based on the fund’s current situation.

“Contractors and vendors currently working on projects will receive scheduled payments,” she said.

“Our projects through November are still scheduled with fiscal year 13-14 federal appropriations. We are keeping an eye on Washington to determine next steps for FY 14-15, and, if Washington doesn’t act, we will have a contingency plan.”(MGNonline)