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| Press Release: July 24, 2003 | ||
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| OLVER VOWS TO MAINTAIN FUNDING FOR BIKE AND PEDESTRIAN TRAILS |
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WASHINGTON – Congressman John W. Olver (D-1st District) vowed today to continue fighting for a federal transportation enhancement program that funds quality-of-life transportation projects, such as bike and pedestrian trails, rail trails, downtown streetscapes, scenic highways and tourism facilities. The program is underfunded in the FY04 House Transportation, Treasury and Independent Agencies appropriations bill. "The current language in the House bill is an effort to kill enhancements and an attack on public transportation," Olver said. "This language is unsound and totally shortsighted. I favor a balanced transportation plan that includes enhancements." An amendment Olver offered today during the full House Appropriations Committee's consideration of the bill would have guaranteed funding for the roughly $600 million transportation enhancement program. The amendment failed by a roll call vote of 29-33, but Olver said he is committed to protecting this funding. Olver's amendment aimed to strike down language in the bill that allows states to use enhancement funds for highway construction. "The momentum is building to maintain the guarantee of funds for transportation enhancements," Olver said. "When this bill goes to the House floor after the August recess, I will fight hard to maintain current law which guarantees funding for enhancements." Bicycle and pedestrian facilities and rail trails are among the most popular transportation enhancement projects. Transportation enhancement funds can also be used for downtown streetscapes, scenic highways, tourist welcome centers, transportation museums, historic preservation and wildlife crossings, among other things. "Not only do rail trails provide a means for recreation, commutation and fitness, but they can also attract people into downtown communities and serve as a magnet for economic development," Olver said. The 104-mile Mass Central Rail-Trail, an east-west link connecting Boston to Northampton, is an example of the type of project that would suffer under the current transportation bill. Another project, the twin cities rail-trail linking Leominster and Fitchburg won't be finished without enhancement funding. The federal enhancement program has also funded projects such as historic preservation and sign projects in Berkshire County. Olver is the ranking member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Treasury and Independent Agencies. ### |
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