Raleigh, NC — The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which passed in the Senate by a margin of 61-37, provides urgently needed investment for North Carolina’s public transportation network and for the future development of a high speed rail system.
The Senate bill, however, did not include much-needed funding to develop new transit lines and systems, as was originally included in the House. Selected members of the House of Representatives and Senate will now come together in a conference committee to negotiate a final recovery package to send to the White House.
“We expect the conference committee to preserve the best pieces of each bill,” said Ashley Chase, advocate for NCPIRG, “Full investment in transit and rail development is critical to the Congress’ stated goals of strengthening our communities, reducing traffic congestion and oil dependence.”
Specifically, the conference committee should ensure the following components are included in the final bill sent to President Obama:
At least $8.4 billion for public transportation (Senate), $2.5 billion for New Start transit projects (House), and $2 billion for rail modernization (House) for a total of $13 billion in increased transit funding.
A transportation enhancement program included in the House bill that will provide funding for ready-to-go bicycling and pedestrian projects which are among the most job intensive, shovel-ready construction projects there are. At least $2 billion provided in the Senate bill for high speed rail to create jobs that would reduce our dependence on carbon intensive transportation options.
Additional criteria for highway spending in order to ensure that money goes to fund bridge and road repair construction jobs rather than new highways and highway expansion.
NCPIRG (North Carolina Public Interest Research Group) is a nonpartisan, nonprofit, citizen-based organization that is dedicated to consumer rights, good government, and public health.
contact: Ashley Chase, 610-295-2533
