The controversial $275 billion highway bill passed Friday by the U.S. House of Representatives included nearly $5 million for Cayuga County projects, Rep. Sherwood Boehlert announced.

Boehlert, who sits on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, said the funds would help the county's economic development efforts.

The bill must now be reconciled with a $318 billion proposal approved by the Senate in February.

But even if the two bodies construct a compromise bill, it may not pass muster with the White House.

Bush administration officials have called the bills financially irresponsible.

Boehlert praised the House bill. "A sound transportation and infrastructure system is critical to the safety and economic well-being of any community," he said.

Local projects funded in the bill include $2 million for the construction of a highway to connect Route 5 and Route 34 in Auburn and $2 million for the creation of a heritage park in the village of Port Byron.

Among the other Cayuga County projects:

• $400,000 to replace and reopen the bridge over CSX lines on Highbridge Road in the town of Montezuma.

• $400,000 to replace and reopen the bridge over Mud Pond Outlet on Spring Lake Road in the town of Conquest.

• $150,000 to study extending a limited access portion of Route 5 in Auburn and upgrade Finger Lakes Railroad to accommodate commuter train traffic from Auburn to Syracuse.