Shikun & Binui Ltd. announced that it has raised funds for the planning, construction and maintenance of a toll express lane that it plans to build in the metropolitan area of Houston, Texas for $1 billion. This is Shikun & Binui Group's first infrastructure project in the United States. The partners of the project's concessionaire, known as the Blueridge Transportation Group, include Shikun & Binui (21.62%), as well as an international infrastructure contractor and other financial investors. In addition, 50% of the project's building contractor will be held by SBI, Shikun & Binui's international construction arm, with the remaining 50% held by an international infrastructure company. The financial closing for most of the project and the initial drawing of funds is expected take place during the next several weeks, conditional upon the fulfillment of a number of customary terms set out in the financing agreements. These include the receipt of the final approval of the project's bond offerings from the Texas legislature. In addition, at the time of the signing of the project's financing agreements, the partners in the concessionaire will be required to post security bonds as a guarantee for their commitments, including each partner's proportional share of the project's shareholders' equity.