FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, June 30, 2000
Contact: Karen Clarke
Tel.: (202) 366-4319
FTA 12-00
U.S. Department of
Transportation Celebrates
Forty Years of Investment in Public Transit
U.S. Secretary of Transportation Rodney E. Slater and Acting Federal Transit Administrator Nuria Fernandez today kicked-off a year-long celebration of the federal government’s 40 years of investment in public transit.
"Investing in mass transit is key to rebuilding our cities and creating livable communities -- it will stimulate economic development throughout our nation," said President Clinton. "For all Americans, whether they live in large metropolitan areas, small towns or rural communities, the payoff is a better quality of life."
"President Clinton and Vice President Gore are committed to investing in transportation which will strengthen the economy, protect the environment for generations to come and make resources like jobs, health care, education and recreation accessible for all," said Secretary Slater.
When President John F. Kennedy signed the Housing Act of 1961, the federal government became an active supporter of mass transit all across the United States. This legislation authorized federal capital loans to state and local governments to help them purchase transit capital equipment, such as buses, trolleys and trains. The Act also authorized grants for transit demonstrations and research and for comprehensive transit planning.
"Today’s record level of funding for transit will produce real results in addressing the national concern over suburban sprawl, congestion and livability issues faced by every city and town in America," said Secretary Slater. "Many projects all across the nation demonstrate how transit helps us use our investments wisely, maintain a good quality of life and produce a robust economy as we increasingly move toward smart growth and sustainable development."
"Our nation is enjoying economic growth and prosperity. America is extending its reach into the global marketplace. New technologies are enhancing our quality of life and protecting our environment," said FTA Acting Administrator Fernandez. "Our 40-year investment in mass transit -- more than $100 billion -- has made accessible the jobs, education, shopping and recreation so essential to a vital, growing and prosperous nation."
Last year, Americans took more than 9 billion trips on public transportation, the highest ridership in nearly four decades. From modest beginnings as an office in the Housing and Home Finance Agency with less than $50 million in spending authority, to today’s Federal Transit Administration, with a $5.8 billion federal transit assistance program, the federal role in transit has become increasingly vital, paving the way for transit’s contribution to livable communities, economic growth and environmental protection.
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