[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 59 (Thursday, May 8, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E885]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 INTRODUCTION OF A TRANSPORTATION BILL

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                     HON. DONNA M. CHRISTIAN-GREEN

                         of the virgin islands

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 8, 1997

  Ms. CHRISTIAN-GREEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce a bill to 
allow the Virgin Islands and the other U.S. territories to participate 
in the Federal Highway Administration's State Infrastructure Bank [SIB] 
Program and to use surface transportation program funds for 
construction of certain access and development roads.
  Mr. Speaker, the State Infrastructure Bank Program began in early 
1996 as a pilot or experimental program with 10 States. It was extended 
to other States in late 1996. It is a new Federal Highway 
Administration initiative designed to leverage investment in surface 
transportation projects and thereby increase the number of these 
projects. It is expected that under the reauthorization of the 
Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act, [NEXTEA], the State 
Infrastructure Bank Program will be made permanent.
  Mr. Speaker, the importance of surface transportation to the economy 
of the U.S. Virgin Islands cannot be overstated. Our tourism-based 
economy and indeed the quality of life for our residents are dependent 
on transportation.
  Since 1989, the Virgin Islands has been battered by three devastating 
hurricanes. Those storms have made funding for capital infrastructure 
projects almost impossible. It is estimated that the Virgin Islands 
will need to invest over $125 million over the next 5 years in order to 
maintain the current conditions and level of service of our surface 
transportation system. Inclusion in the SIB program will enhance 
public-private infrastructure investment opportunities in the Virgin 
Islands and go a long way in assisting us in addressing our 
transportation needs. I look forward working with the chairman and 
ranking member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee in 
getting this proposal enacted into law.

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