CAPITAL INVESTMENT GRANT PROGRAM

WHEREAS, the Department of Transportation’s Capital Investment Grant Program, which includes fixed guideway projects commonly known as New Starts and Small Starts, is the federal government’s primary financial resource for supporting locally planned, implemented, and operated major transit capital investments; and

WHEREAS, Americans need good transportation choices that improve mobility, enhance access to jobs by spurring economic development, and encourage sustainable communities; and

WHEREAS, the Capital Investment Grant program funds investments in transit systems all over the country, including commuter rail, light rail, heavy rail, bus rapid transit, streetcars, and ferries; and

WHEREAS, the Capital Investment Grant program expands transportation access for those who depend on it, especially working families, communities of color, seniors, youth, and people with disabilities; and

WHEREAS, President Obama’s proposed Fiscal Year 2013 budget requests $2,235,486,000 in funding for the Capital Investment Grant program; and

WHEREAS, the recommended projects, included in President Obama’s proposed Fiscal Year 2013 budget, will put thousands of Americans to work building the vital infrastructure the nation needs to improve access to jobs;

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that The U.S. Conference of Mayors urges the Congress to fully fund the Department of Transportation’s New Starts program at the President’s requested level of $2,235,486,000.