“Today U.S. Rep. Earl Blumenauer addressed the urgent need for revamping how we fund transportation in America.  I congratulate Congressman Blumenauer for his leadership in beginning a conversation that is always difficult – how to find the revenue to adequately invest in our transportation infrastructure.

As a long-time thought leader on transportation and community development issues, his ideas are worthy of detailed discussion and should be seriously considered by the Congress and the Obama Administration.

There’s no doubt we have underinvested in transportation infrastructure – both in public transportation and in highways.  Now, as our federal leaders work to help our country recover from our economic difficulties, it is time to significantly invest in our country’s transportation infrastructure.

Just yesterday, the National Surface Transportation Infrastructure Financing Commission released its report and cited the enormous gap in funding for public transportation and roads.  The commission’s report called for an immediate increase in the gas tax as part of a short term fix while Congress and the Administration consider long-term solutions.

With the demand for ridership now at modern record levels, it is clear that the American people want and need more public transit services.  Last November, voters approved 76% of all state and local public transit ballot initiatives, even as the economy was declining and gas prices were falling.

Now is the time for discussion among our leaders and among the general public to decide how to appropriately fund transportation.   Once again, I congratulate U.S. Rep. Earl Blumenauer for being front and center on this very important, but difficult issue.”