“On behalf of the more than 1,400 members of the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), I call on Congress to quickly vote for an extension of federal funding for public transportation and highway programs.

Transportation is the economic backbone of the United States.  Letting federal funding for transportation programs expire, at a time when jobs are a national priority, is unthinkable.  Now, as a result of the inability to extend federal aid legislation, more Americans will be out of work. This is not in the best interest of our country.

From the public transit side, this means that the Federal Transit Administration cannot make payments for transit projects underway and cannot process new applications. Transportation investments should not be delayed while the economy suffers.
What this also points to is the need for Congress to pass new federal surface transportation legislation that will support and create good “green” jobs and build a world class, 21st century, multi-modal transportation system.  The lack of action on this legislation last fall has led us to temporary extensions and now, with the lack of action on extending an extension, we are forced to be in the inconceivable situation of a shutdown of federal funding.

Transportation investment is a bipartisan issue and we strongly urge our congressional leaders to pass a year-long extension quickly, while at the same time, making a commitment to finalize new multi-year surface transportation legislation before the end of the year.  American jobs are depending on this.”

# # #