Committee on TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE U.S. House of Representatives	Democratic  News
Room 2163 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, DC  20515 Telephone 202-225-4472	Rep. James L. Oberstar, Ranking Democratic Member

      For Immediate Release                                                                                            Contact:  Jim Berard

      Wednesday, November 19, 2003                                                                                        (202) 225-4472

 

Oberstar: $375 Billion Bill Meets America’s

Transportation Needs

Bipartisan 6-year bill 72 percent larger than TEA-21

 

==============================

 

 

WASHINGTON—The bipartisan leadership of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee today unveiled a six-year, $375 billion surface transportation package to replace the expiring Transportation Equity Act for the 21^st Century, more commonly known as TEA 21.

 

“This bill will provide the investment necessary to begin to improve our nation’s highway and transit infrastructure,” said Rep. James L. Oberstar (Minn.), Ranking Democratic Member on the committee.  “Our country’s economic strength, its ability to create jobs and improve business productivity, and maintain a safe, efficient, and secure transportation system are all dependent upon increasing our investment in its infrastructure.”

 

The bill authorizes $298.7 billion for highways and related programs for fiscal years 2004 through 2009.  It also includes $69.2 billion for transit and $7.5 billion for safety programs over the six-year span.  All are significant increases over TEA 21, which authorized a total of $218 billion over six years.

 

Oberstar said the increased investment is necessary to overcome the challenges of increased congestion, deteriorating infrastructure and the growing number of deaths and injuries on our nation’s roads.

 

“Last year, 42,815 people died and almost three million more were injured on our highways, the highest number of highway deaths since 1990,” Oberstar said.  “In addition to the enormous personal toll of these accidents, the economic cost is a staggering $230 billion a year.  Highway accidents continue to be a major public health problem in the United States.” 

 

TEA 21 was set to expire September 30, but Congress extended it through February 29, 2004.  No committee action is expected on the new bill until after the first of the year.

 

                                                                                    ###