[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 112 (Friday, August 1, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1610]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          REAUTHORIZING ISTEA

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. CHARLES F. BASS

                            of new hampshire

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 31, 1997

  Mr. BASS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today as a member of the Transportation 
and Infrastructure Committee, to bring to the attention of the House 
the importance of reauthorizing ISTEA in a fashion that recognizes and 
maintains the important role of public transportation.
  Even in my rural home State of New Hampshire, transit is a vital 
lifeline for many residents. In fact, a recent report entitled 
``Dollars and Sense: The Economic Case for Public Transportation in 
America'', cites Advance Transit of Lebanon, NH, for its contribution 
to the economic vitality of Grafton County and neighboring Windsor 
County, VT. I would commend my colleagues' attention to the entirety of 
this report, which provides an impressive summary of mass transit's 
benefits.
  In closing, I would like to again remind my colleagues that the 
benefits offered by public transit, and indeed all improvements to our 
Nation's transportation network, will be threatened without the 
necessary funding to reauthorize ISTEA. As we all know, committing the 
revenues generated from transportation taxes to improvements to our 
Nation's public infrastructure, including transit, will allow our great 
nation to move forward with economic growth and prosperity.

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