Issue Position: Transportation

Issue Position

Indiana is known as the "Crossroads of America." With hundreds of thousands of people from across Indiana and the country passing through Indianapolis via road, rail and airplane, I know that improving the transportation infrastructure of Indiana's Seventh Congressional District is of paramount importance.

PROTECTING OUR ROADS AND HIGHWAYS

Shortly after coming to Washington in 2008, I was proud to have the opportunity to support the Highway Trust Fund Restoration Act. This legislation sought to restore over $8 billion in funding to our nation's Highway Trust Fund. Restoration of this critical funding ensured that Indiana had the resources it needed to begin repairing our aging roads, highways and bridges.

This year, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) has provided one of the largest ever investments in our national transportation infrastructure. By allocating an unprecedented $32 billion to road and highway construction and restoration, this landmark legislation seeks to create thousands of jobs and improve ground transportation for the American public. Over the next few years, Hoosiers will begin to see the significant impact this funding will have on our struggling economy as it begins to reach many of the projects that are most critical to our future commercial success.

SECURED FUNDING FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

Following several months of record high gas prices last year, I renewed my strong commitment to increase funding for our nation's public transit systems. In the 110th Congress, I was pleased to support the Saving Energy Through Public Transportation Act, which invested millions of dollars in our nation's public transit systems and helped to make public transportation more accessible and affordable for all Americans.

If all Americans used public transportation for only 10% of their daily travel needs the United States could reduce its dependence on foreign oil by 40% while cutting emissions and clearing congested roads and highways. Clearly, it has become critical that we make a significant investment in our public transportation infrastructure. This year, I proudly supported the ARRA, which invested $10 billion in public transit and rail systems across the country to reduce gas consumption, alleviate traffic congestion, and improve the environment.

ENSURING FEDERAL FUNDING STAYS IN THE DISTRICT

As transportation projects around the country continue to receiving assistance, it is my responsibility to ensure that Indianapolis receives its fair share of federal dollars. Last year, I was able to save almost $400,000 in expiring funding and have it reallocated to IndyGo. This funding, used in conjunction with an energy efficient grant, is allowing IndyGo to purchase two new hybrid buses, saving the taxpayers from high fuel costs and the expense of replacing the buses with city funds.

This year, I have had the distinct pleasure of helping Indianapolis secure over $1.5 million from this year's Omnibus Appropriations Act and another $39.5 million from the ARRA. This major influx of support will allow for the timely completion of a number of important road construction and public transportation projects across the city.

In an unprecedented boost for local employment and nationwide rail travel, Beech Grove's Amtrak facility was awarded over $32 million in ARRA funding to continue servicing the Amtrak rail system across the country. I was proud to join Vice President Joe Biden in announcing this award at a ceremony in Washington, D.C.

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