WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Transportation Secretary Rodney E. Slater invited transportation officials to submit applications for up to $140 million in funds available to plan improvements or improve national highway corridors and to upgrade border facilities.

“President Clinton is committed to expand trade to maintain a strong and vibrant economy as America enters the 21st century,” Secretary Slater said. “The borders and corridors program will provide funds to states to help manage commercial and other traffic as the result of increased trade and economic activity, particularly along our nation’s border.”

The National Corridor Planning and Development Program and Coordinated Border Infrastructure Program was established under the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21), the landmark surface transportation law that President Clinton signed on June 9, 1998. The programs provide up to $140 million to states in fiscal 1999 and up to $140 million each year over the remaining four fiscal years (2000-2003) of TEA-21, for a total of $700 million.

The Coordinated Border Infrastructure Program aims to improve border infrastructure and transportation telecommunications to facilitate the safe and efficient movement of people and goods at or across the U.S.-Canada and the U.S.-Mexico borders.

The criteria for funding will be published in the Federal Register.