[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 95 (Wednesday, June 25, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1350]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       SUPPORTING THE EFFORTS OF PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION ADVOCATES

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EARL BLUMENAUER

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 25, 2003

  Mr. BLUMENAUER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to show my support for the 
efforts of public transportation advocates around the country.
  Today, the National Alliance of Public Transportation Advocates 
(NAPTA) is distributing a letter to the Hill, which asks Congress to 
double the investment in public transportation to $14 billion by FY2009 
when it reauthorizes the federal surface transportation program.
  Providing increased, guaranteed transit funding is critical to 
improving the livability of our communities. In Portland, we have been 
proud to be leaders in understanding the connection between land use 
and transportation. Our light rail system has not only provided 
additional choices to our residents, it has also helped with 
environmental problems.
  Portland's transit system, Tri-Met, has the 13th largest ridership in 
the nation, despite being only the 29th largest transit district. Rider 
totals increased 65 percent the last decade. This growth is a 
reflection of the increased transit investment provided by the federal, 
state and local levels. In my community, transit truly is making a 
difference in the quality of life for our citizens.
  NAPTA also points to the strong success of such existing programs as 
the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ), Enhancements, and 
Transportation and Community and System Pilot Preservation Program 
(TCSP).
  Communities nationwide are experiencing the flexibility and freedom 
of having more public transportation choices. For every federal dollar 
invested in public transportation as many as $6 are returned in 
congestion reduction, safety benefits and access to economic 
opportunity. At the same time, 47,500 jobs are created for each $1 
billion invested. Increasing guaranteed federal funding in public 
transportation can bring these benefits to people across the country.

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