Transportation

Transportation

Transportation problems stand out as one of the most serious issues facing Northwest Washington. In our state, we rely heavily on a variety of transportation modes--highway, rail, water, transit, air--all of which directly impact our economy. We also suffer from some of the worst traffic congestion in the nation that greatly affects our quality of life. Many of us often find ourselves sitting in traffic when we could be using that valuable time to spend with our families.
Following are the steps I am taking to improve transportation in the Northwest:

arrowAs a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee (click to view website), I am focusing on core issues facing our highway, maritime transit, rail and aviation systems. Through my work on this key committee, I have been able to bring the problems that are unique to the Puget Sound area to the attention of Congress.

arrowIn May 2003 I brought the Committee's Chairman of the Subcommittee on Highways, Transit and Pipelines to the district to see first-hand the transportation needs of the Northwest. Click here to see Rick at a local transportation rally. I was pleased that he would join me to meet with local leaders, Washington State Department of Transportation Secretary Doug McDonald and others to discuss our unique region. In our meetings, we focused on freight mobility, congestion, and the need for transportation alternatives. We also discussed much-needed efforts to enhance border infrastructure, our ferry systems and I-5. Click to see round table meeting.

In order for me to get a clearer picture of the transportation needs throughout the district, I hosted a series of Transportation Town Halls in the spring of 2002 and continue to have several transportation-focused meetings and events in the district.

Reauthorization of the Federal Transportation Bill:
This year the House has begun to reauthorize the federal transportation bill, the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21). I have had the opportunity to directly participate in this important legislative process that will fund the nation's transportation programs over the next six years.

I am working to make sure that residents of the Second Congressional District get back their fair share of federal gas tax dollars in the form of project funding and increased funding for freight mobility, transit systems, borders and the Washington State Ferries.

Ferries:
Ferries play a major role in the Northwest's transportation network. Many areas could not be connected without ferry service. I am working hard to ensure that Congress realizes the extreme needs of this unique form of transportation and increases the federal share of ferry funding. In June 2003 I introduced the Ferry Transportation Enhancement Act of 2003, H.R. 2704, to make sure we see an increase in ferry funding. Click here PDF icon. Click to download Adobe Acrobat reader to view the pdf file. (Download Adobe Reader). I will also continue pushing for increased ferry funding through the reauthorization of the federal transportation bill.

Aviation and AIR 21
As a member of the Aviation Subcommittee, I am working to help bring the aviation industry out of its current slump and help general aviation continue to thrive in the Pacific Northwest.

The reauthorization of the Aviation Investment and Reform Act for the 21st Century (AIR 21) was an important priority for our pilots and airports. This bill provides $60 billion over the next four years in federal funding for America's airports, helps our airlines, and ensures that passengers will be safe and secure.

General aviation pilots in our local communities are concerned about the temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) around military installations and maintaining the current radio frequency in the San Juan Islands. After September 11, the Pentagon placed four TFRs around four navy facilities. These TFRs have hindered general aviation by cutting off routes for pilots. Many pilots lost their licenses because they accidentally flew into these no-fly zones.

I worked with pilots to urge the Pentagon to make changes in their TFR policy and remove these burdensome restrictions. I was pleased that the Pentagon agreed to shrink the TFRs. While this was a great step forward, I will continue to work with both the aviation community and the Department of Defense to make sure we are properly balancing our nation's security and our pilots' safety. Click to see Rick with Phil Boyer and the TFRs

The FAA also wanted to change the current radio frequency in the San Juans that pilots use to contact each other and San Juan airports. The FAA had planned to change the frequency at the end of 2003, but they were not taking adequate precautions to protect pilot safety. I worked with the FAA to keep the current frequency in place and ensure aviation integrity and safety in the area.

I am honored by Washington State Department of Transportation Aviation Division's decision to name me an Aviation Star of the Year for 2003 for my efforts on behalf of Washington state pilots and the general aviation community. I look forward to continuing my work on these issues.

http://www.house.gov/larsen/issue/transportation.shtml