[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 64 (Wednesday, April 29, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1012]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  FEDERAL STREETCAR REVITALIZATION ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EARL BLUMENAUER

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 29, 2009

  Mr. BLUMENAUER. Madam Speaker, the Federal Streetcar Revitalization 
Act creates a transportation investment program that, under a 
competitive program, offers grants to transit projects. These projects 
must be justified based on a review of their effects on local economic 
development, land use, travel patterns, and greenhouse gas reduction 
potential.
  This program will unlock streetcar investments across the country and 
will fulfill the promise of the Community Streetcar Development and 
Revitalization Act that I introduced in 2003 and which later became 
part of the Small Starts program 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 
caused steep cost increases and stalled worthy projects that otherwise 
would generate investment and development in these communities.
  For an example of the benefits of streetcar systems, the Portland 
Streetcar opened on July 20, 2001, becoming the first modern streetcar 
system in North America. This system has created jobs and spurred 
development along the streetcar corridor. In fact, the Portland 
Streetcar has spurred $3.5 billion in new development in downtown 
Portland. The streetcar system also provides tremendous environmental 
benefits. The Portland Streetcar is one reason that vehicle miles 
traveled per capita have declined by 6% since 1990 in Portland, Oregon. 
Providing sustainable transportation options to our communities can 
significantly reduce our carbon footprint.
  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.

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