Texas Transit Association

The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) has posted on its “website”:http://www.apta.com/government_affairs/positions/washrep/2003july25.cfm. the macro results of FY04 federal transit funding. The appropriations bill for various transportation modes proceeds to full floor action. APTA Statement follows.

American Public Transportation Association:
Statement on House Committee Action

WASHINGTON, D.C., July 28, 2003–While significant unmet transit investment needs remain, we are pleased that Chairman Istook and the full Committee provided additional funds to grow the federal transit program above fiscal year 2003 levels in the FY 2004 Transportation Appropriations Act approved by the Committee on July 24, 2003.

We are further pleased that the full Appropriations Committee retained proposed increases in funding for the bus capital program, and restored most of the funding cut from the New Starts program, but continue to be concerned about the reduction in the Job Access and Reverse Commute Program at a time when the nation’s jobless rate continues to climb.

In this the first year of the new reauthorization cycle, it is important that the baseline level be as high as possible. APTA’s adopted position is to fund the program at $8.1 billion in fiscal year 2004, and we will continue to advocate and work to grow the program to that level.