[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 64 (Wednesday, April 29, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1010]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        FAST STARTS ACT OF 2009

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                          HON. EARL BLUMENAUER

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 29, 2009

  Mr. BLUMENAUER. Madam Speaker, I began work on the Portland Streetcar 
as a Commissioner of the City of Portland. Our first line opened on 
July 20, 2001, becoming the first modern streetcar system in North 
America. It represents a remarkable local partnership. I'm proud of its 
success.
  As a Member of Congress, I have championed streetcars at the federal 
level, introducing the Community Streetcar Development and 
Revitalization Act in 2003, which became part of the Small Starts 
program and was included in SAFETEA-LU.
  Unfortunately, the implementation of the Small Starts program failed 
to deliver any form of federal partnership to our communities. 
Communities across the country have struggled to utilize the Small 
Starts program as the Federal Transit Administration delayed these 
projects. These delays have caused steep cost increases and stalled 
worthy projects that otherwise would generate investment and 
development in these communities.
  The Fast Starts Act responds to the vast pent-up demand in 
communities around the country caused by the prior administration's 
obstruction and delay with regard to streetcar projects. It authorizes 
the Secretary of Transportation to make grants to streetcar projects 
provided that they are supported by an acceptable degree of local 
financial commitment, have met all necessary environmental 
requirements, and can be under construction not later than March 1, 
2012.
  These bills will revitalize America's neighborhoods and urban spaces, 
while providing transit options, reducing sprawl, and curtailing 
greenhouse gas emissions. I am looking forward to seeing a resurgence 
of streetcars around the country and nowhere more so than in Portland, 
Oregon.

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