September 27, 2001
The Honorable Tom Daschle
Senate Majority
Leader
Office of the Senate Majority Leader
S-221
Capitol Building
Washington, DC 20510-7020
Dear Mr. Majority Leader:
On behalf of the American Public Transportation Association
(APTA) and its 1400 member organizations, I commend Congress
for its quick response to the horrific events of September 11,
2001.
As attention now turns to preserving the nation’s economic
health, we understand that Congress is developing an economic
stimulus package. In that regard, I call your attention to the
significant unmet needs in the public transportation sector,
where an infusion of additional investment could quickly be
put to use. Currently, Congress is poised to appropriate up to
$6.8 billion for the FY 2002 federal transit program. However,
nearly an additional $1 billion in federal transit funding
authorized by the Transportation Equity Act for the
21st Century (TEA 21) for FY 2002 will remain
available to be appropriated. Appropriating this $1 billion as
part of any economic stimulus package would provide immediate
economic benefits. In addition, another $3 billion in
authorized but unappropriated TEA 21 funds from prior fiscal
years could be made available.
Distributing $1 billion or more under the existing program
mechanism would provide much needed capital for rolling stock
and construction of new rail and bus systems, modernization
programs and other transit facilities. Funds could also be
made available for the expenses associated with enhanced
security in public transportation systems.
Investment in public transportation produces many economic
benefits:
- 31,000 to 57,000 jobs are created for each $1 billion
spent, depending on whether capital or operating costs are
funded;
- Businesses realize a gain in sales of $3 billion for
every $1 billion investment in transit capital; and
- Several studies have shown a benefit to cost ratio as
high as 9 to 1 in the federal transit program.
I would appreciate your consideration of the role that
public transportation plays in providing a balanced
transportation system. Transit ridership is up twenty-one
percent over the past five years, as more and more Americans
use the transportation choices our members provide. APTA
firmly believes that an effective transportation system -
which requires adequate investment in both transit and
highways - is one of the most important underpinnings of a
healthy, growing economy. If we may provide additional
information, please have your staff contact Rob Healy of our
Government Affairs staff at (202) 496-4811 or rhealy@apta.com.
Thank you for your consideration. We look forward to
working with you in developing legislation to move America
forward.
Sincerely yours,
William W.
Millar
President
