Statement by APTA President and CEO Michael P. Melaniphy
"On behalf of the more than 1,500 members of the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), I commend the U.S. Congress for passing the Fiscal Year (FY) 2012 Appropriations bill which increases funds over the previous FY 2011 year for public transportation. This bill includes the "Transportation, Housing and Urban Development and Related Agencies (THUD)" Appropriation which will provide a total of $10.6 billion in FY 2012 and represents a three percent increase over FY 2011 funding levels.
Although current public transportation infrastructure needs far exceed the appropriated funds, we applaud Congress for taking this action which will address important transit and highway needs and put Americans back to work. Every $1 billion in public transportation investment supports or creates 36,000 jobs. Also, for every $1 invested in public transportation, $4 is generated in economic returns.
We are disappointed that Congress eliminated funds for high-speed rail and are committed to continue to work with Congress to see that funds are provided in the future for this important program.
We hope that this will be a catalyst to help focus Congress toward passing a long-term robust transportation bill. The Federal Surface Transportation legislation is overdue by over two years and we are currently operating under multiple extensions.
This commitment in the FY 2012 bill is an important step in providing for public transportation projects nationwide that will put people to work, repair our nation's infrastructure, and help America stay competitive long into the future."
