[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 130 (Thursday, September 19, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1650-E1651]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 
                                  1997

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. ANNA G. ESHOO

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 18, 1996

  Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to support the Transportation 
appropriations bill before the House today. In particular, I want to 
highlight the inclusion of $27.5 million in funding for the Tasman 
Light Rail extension and the BART Airport Extension projects. This 
funding is just the latest step forward for these two projects and wish 
to acknowledge the leadership of Chairman Wolf and Congressman Coleman 
for their continued support.
  Both BART and Tasman enjoy broad support. And while there are 
detractors, I believe the transit authority has made an honest effort 
to address concerns raised along the way. This latest appropriation is 
a validation of the value to the bay area that these projects 
represent.
  Earlier this year, the Tasman project finalized its full funding 
grant agreement with the Federal Transit Authority. With the Federal 
Government committed as a full partner in this project, there should 
not be any derailments along the way to completion. With many major 
Silicon Valley employers located along the new route, the Tasman 
project's value to the region is apparent to anyone who has toured the 
site. Every effort has been by local authorities to ensure that the 
scarce funds available for the light rail extension will be put to

[[Page E1651]]

the greatest use and provide the greatest benefit to the community.
  As a supporter of both the Tasman and BART projects since coming to 
Congress almost 4 years ago, it is gratifying to have my colleagues 
recognize the value of these efforts and support the funding necessary 
to make them a reality.

                          ____________________