May 23, 2005

Recognizing that public transportation reduces congestion, urge Congress for maximum funding for public transportation to stimulate a dramatic expansion of high-capacity public transit systems, including light rail, heavy rail, commuter rail, and bus service.

Funding for the transit program from the general fund and the Mass Transit Account of the Highway Trust Fund should be guaranteed and support maintaining current federal-local matching shares for the transit program as authorized under ISTEA and TEA-21.

Maintain the 20 percent transit — 80 percent highway share and to oppose efforts to increase funding for the highway program by reducing funding for the transit program.

Support the historical funding allocation of 40 percent for rail modernization, 40 percent for the new starts program and 20 percent for the bus and bus facilities program.

Recognizing that cities throughout the United States are embracing less expensive, fixed guideway transit projects like streetcars, trolleys and bus rapid transit, support the establishment of a new Small Starts Program with modified Federal rules to expedite these projects.

Acknowledging that 32 percent of major roads are in poor condition and 29 percent of the nation's bridges are structurally deficient or functionally obsolete, urge Congress to increased funding for the core highway programs.

Recognizing that it is difficult for localities and states to dedicate adequate resources to build, rebuild, or repair large-scale infrastructure projects addressing freight and goods movement, safety, and aging and congested transportation infrastructure, urge strong support, including maximum funding, for Projects of National and Regional Significance.

The Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Program (CMAQ) should receive substantially increased funding over TEA-21 levels in response to the growing number of non-attainment areas designated under the 8-hour ozone and fine particulate matter standards.

Oppose efforts designed to divert CMAQ funds to other purposes, undermining commitments to metropolitan areas to fund the clean air mandate.

Recognizing that metropolitan areas are struggling with the contamination of drinking water and the cleanup of streams, rivers, lakes and ponds from stormwater discharge, including oil, grease, lead and mercury, urge support for the establishment of a Highway Stormwater Discharge Mitigation Program.

Recognizing that safe routes for bicycles, walking and other non-motorized transportation choices are still inadequate in many metropolitan areas, urge support the Safe Routes to School program and also support maximum funding for Transportation Enhancements.

Urge support for metropolitan planning that would increase the takedown for metropolitan areas from 1 percent to 1.5 percent.