[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 144 (Thursday, October 23, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2064]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   CONFERENCE REPORT ON H.R. 2169, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND 
               RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 1998

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                           HON. LOUIS STOKES

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 9, 1997

  Mr. STOKES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2169, the 
Transportation appropriations conference report for fiscal year 1998. 
This measure provides a net total of $42.2 billion, which is $5.1 
billion--14 percent--more than the current level, but $320 million--1 
percent--less than the House-passed bill. H.R. 2169 funds the 
Department of Transportation and related agencies, including the 
following agencies within the Department: Coast Guard, Federal Aviation 
Administration; Federal Highway Administration; Federal Railroad 
Administration; and the Federal Transit Administration.
  In particular, H.R. 2169 funds two valuable projects for the Regional 
Transit Authority [RTA] in Ohio's 11th Congressional District. I am 
very pleased that Congress saw the need for expanding the blue line and 
the waterfront line. These are important improvements for Greater 
Cleveland.
  The RTA will receive $800,000 for a major investment study of 
extending the blue line of the Greater Cleveland Regional Transmit 
Authority through Shaker Heights to the Highland Hills Corridor. This 
extension would directly link a growing suburban employment center with 
the region's largest employment center--downtown Cleveland. This rail 
transportation link is especially important since there is no direct 
freeway link between these two employment centers.
  Congress also allotted $1 million for a major investment study for a 
waterfront line extension that would serve the Playhouse Square, 
Cleveland State University, and the rest of the St. Vincent Quadrangle. 
This study would assess the needs of north-south transportation in the 
eastern portion of the central business district. The study may also 
further support how the waterfront line extension could improve the 
entire region's transportation system goals.
  I am pleased with the positive effects the RTA extensions can have on 
Greater Cleveland's workers. With RTA extensions, the Beachwood-Orange-
HIghland Hills area will be able to attract major commercial/industrial 
employers to undeveloped and underdeveloped land. Suburban residents 
will also be better linked to their downtown employers.
  Funding for these RTA studies is part of an effort to assure 
accommodating and economical access between the city center and the 
suburbs for all Greater Cleveland citizens. The need for an expansion 
of our public transit system is a good sign; It reflects the 
development of the Warehouse District, the success of the Flats 
Entertainment District, and the popularity of the downtown sports 
facilities, among the many other assets of Cleveland. I am glad that 
Congress recognizes these developments, and I support H.R. 2169.




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