Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. press release, December 7, 2001

с MEWS FROM Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. Second Congressional District of Maryland 1 407 York Rood, Suit* 304 Lulhorvillo, Morylood 2 1 073 315 Cannon Hovm Offica Building Wothington, D.C 20515 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: CONTACT: Heniy Fawell Friday, December 7, 200 1 202/225-306 1 Congressman Ehrlich Praises Decision by the Federal Highway Administration to Preserve Fair and Open Bidding On Wilson Bridge Contracts WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Bob Ehrlich (MD-2) praised the decision by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) today to preserve fairness and open competition in the federal contracting process, which will expedite the completion of the Woodrow Wilson Bridge Project. FHWA Administrator Mary E. Peters denied a request by Governor Parris Glendening to impose a costly and discriminatory Project Labor Agreement (PLA) on the Woodrow Wilson Bridge project. Executive Order 13202, issued by President Bush on February 17, 2001, sought to preserve open competition and government neutrality towards government contractors’ labor relations on federal and federally-funded construction projects, such as the Wilson Bridge Project. Unfortunately, the U.S. District Court judge granted a preliminary injunction on Executive Order 13202, thereby temporarily delaying the issuance of bridge contracts. Congressman Ehrlich stated, “The FHWA’s timely and sound decision to restore the fundamental principles of fair and open competition is the right policy for Maryland taxpayers, minorities, and contractors.” Congressman Ehrlich continued, “Now that the controversial and unnecessary Project Labor Agreement issue is behind us, we must move forward on this most important public works project.” “This is good news for the drivers and passengers of the nearly 200,000 vehicles who cross the Wilson Bridge every day,” Administrator Peters said. “This decision clears the way for the new bridge to be constructed as efficiently and quickly as possible.”