[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 43 (Tuesday, March 26, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E449]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

[[Page E449]]


                          RURAL ROADS FUNDING

                                 ______


                         HON. NANCY L. JOHNSON

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 26, 1996

  Mrs. JOHNSON of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, anticipating next year's 
reauthorization of the 1991 Intermodal Surface Transportation 
Efficiency Act [ISTEA], I am introducing legislation today that will 
provide rural area roads eligibility for a small percentage of funding 
under the Surface Transportation Program [STP].
  The intent of ISTEA's STP program was to provide greater flexibility 
to State and local authorities for transportation needs by providing 
States with block grant-type authority. However, ISTEA regulations 
prohibit roads classified as local or rural minor collectors from 
receiving Federal-aid highway funding. Since most roads in rural areas 
fall under this classification, they are not eligible for funding and 
remain in severe disrepair.
  Under ISTEA's current STP distribution formula, States are required 
to set aside 10 percent of their STP funds for safety programs and 10 
percent for transportation enhancement programs. The remaining 80 
percent of STP funding goes into a general purposes fund, with a 
remaining distribution account receiving 50 percent, and a statewide 
distribution account receiving 30 percent.
  Under the remaining distribution account, funding is provided to 
areas over 200,000 population, while only a minimal level of funding is 
provided to rural areas under 5,000 population based on a fiscal year 
1991 funding level. Unfortunately, congressional attempts to provide 
State flexibility do not ensure adequate and equitable distribution of 
Federal assistance to rural area roads.
  Moreover, roads functionally classified as local or rural minor 
collectors are not currently eligible for the rural areas under 5,000 
population funding and, since most rural roads fall under these two 
classifications, they are ineligible for Federal assistance.
  My legislation would allow roads functionally classified as local or 
rural minor collectors eligibility for STP funds under the existing 
special account for areas under 5,000 population only. My legislation 
would not amend the road classification system. Rather, it would only 
modify 23 USC 133(c) to allow roads functionally classified as local 
and rural minor collectors STP funding eligibility under the areas 
under 5,000 population account 23 USC 133(d)(3)(B). Moreover, I propose 
that of the 50 percent to be obligated under the remaining distribution 
account, at least 20 percent, or the existing minimum requirement, 
whichever is greater, should go to the rural areas under 5,000 
population account. Finally, my legislation would amend the statewide 
planning process by requiring States to also consider the 
transportation needs of rural areas, including local and rural minor 
collectors.
  I urge my colleagues to support this necessary legislation. It will 
provide the flexibility ISTEA was intended to produce and will greatly 
improve our roadway system by allowing local and rural communities the 
opportunity to decide which roads should be repaired.

                          ____________________