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The Honorable Ernest J. Istook, Jr.
Chairman
Subcommittee on Transportation, Treasury
and Independent Agencies
House Committee on Appropriations
2404 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515-3605
Dear Chairman Istook:
As you develop the FY 2005 Transportation, Treasury, and Independent Agencies
Appropriations bill, we write to convey the views of the 1,500 member organizations
of the American Public Transportation Association (APTA). While APTA has previously
submitted written testimony on this year's appropriations process, and communicated
its views again in a May 24 letter, we are compelled to write once more in
light of the 302(b) allocation which the Subcommittee recently received.
We again urge you to fund the federal transit program and other surface
transportation programs at the highest level possible. There has been essentially
no growth in federal transit funding over the past two years, despite growing
ridership in many communities and a report by the American Association of
State Highway and Transportation Officials that estimates an annual capital
investment of more than $43 billion is needed to maintain and upgrade the
substantial federal investment that has already been made.
Public transit creates jobs, increases business sales, and provides mobility
to millions of Americans with few transportation options. Public transportation
is an essential part of a balanced transportation system, which in turn is
the foundation for a healthy, growing economy. It is important to recognize,
moreover, that state and local governments are doing their part by increasing
investment in public transportation by nearly sixty-three percent over the
last five years; it is clear nonetheless that the federal government must
continue to be a steady and committed partner to continue this success.
Finally, it is important to emphasize that the House supported a transit investment
level for FY 2005 of $7.75 billion when it approved the TEA 21 reauthorization
bill (H.R. 3550) by a vote of 357 to 65 in early April. APTA urges the Subcommittee
to set funding in FY 2005 at no less than this level which the House recently
approved, and we ask that you make every effort to continue to grow this important
federal program.
Sincerely yours,
William W. Millar
President
WWM/amm
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