- Today, a record-breaking 128 Representatives led by Rep. Robert Garcia (D-CA) sent a bipartisan letter to leaders of the House Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies (THUD) Appropriations Subcommittee urging them to fully fund public transit Capital Investment Grants (CIG), and appropriate $3 billion for CIG in Fiscal Year 2025. Combined with the advance appropriations provided by the Infrastructure and Investment Jobs Act (IIJA), this appropriation would fully fund CIG at $4.6 billion.
- This CIG investment would help address the enormous, identified need for funding these critical public transit capital projects. Currently, 65 CIG projects in 24 states are requesting almost $42 billion of CIG funds. See APTA’s CIG Project Pipeline Dashboard.
- Every $1 billion invested in public transportation creates or sustains nearly 50,000 jobs across the entire economy.
- Every $1 invested in public transportation generates $5 in long-term economic returns.
Washington, D.C. (May 3, 2024) – The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) today voiced its strong support for a bipartisan request urging leaders of the House THUD Appropriations Subcommittee to fund the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) Capital Investment Grants (CIG) at the fully-authorized level of $3 billion.
The bipartisan letter, championed by Rep. Robert Garcia (D-CA) and joined by a record-breaking number of colleagues, acknowledged that the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) provides $1.6 billion annually in advance appropriations to the CIG program. Combined with the IIJA advance appropriations, the Representatives request a total of $4.6 billion for CIG in FY 2025.
“Local taxpayers rely on partnerships with the federal government to develop essential public transit projects like those supported by CIG,” the letter said. “These are transformational projects for the communities we serve in Congress, and the CIG program is a critical tool for making them a reality. It generates significant regional economic growth, attracts businesses to the project corridors, connects workers to their employers, and relieves freight congestion chokepoints.”
“Strong public transportation grows the economy by connecting people to jobs, education, healthcare, businesses, and opportunities. Investing fully in public transportation will benefit all Americans,” said APTA President and CEO Paul P. Skoutelas. “The CIG program is critical to building communities and planning these critical transit investments.”
“As a strong advocate for affordable, accessible, and reliable public transportation, I’m proud to lead 128 of my Congressional colleagues in fighting for full funding towards FTA’s Capital Investment Grants program transit expansions. Transit investments are crucial for expanding economic opportunities, easing congestion, and ensuring millions of Americans have essential transportation options. Together, we can build a more sustainable and accessible transportation network for all Americans,” said Congressman Garcia.
The letter notes that 24 states currently have one or more CIG projects in the pipeline, demonstrating the nationwide demand for transit capital investments.
“Transit project benefits extend well beyond the project corridor, sending $41.8 billion annually, 56 percent of transit expenditures, to the private sector via manufacturers, suppliers, and service firms located in nearly every Congressional District in the United States,” the letter said.
For more information, visit apta.com/impact.
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