Hearing

Opening remarks, as prepared, of Subcommittee on Highways and Transit Ranking Member Rodney Davis (R-IL):

The Subcommittee is holding its fourth hearing as we continue our work to reauthorize federal surface transportation programs and policies.  Today, the Subcommittee will focus on the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) Capital Investment Grants program, commonly known as “New Starts” or “the CIG program.”

Historically, federal public transportation programs have provided financial support, primarily for capital costs, to local transit agencies around the country.  Although the benefits of federal investments in public transit systems appear to be limited to the community they serve, these investments are, in fact, important to the Nation. 

Federal transit programs, including the CIG program, complement our investments in other transportation modes in order to support an integrated national surface transportation network. They provide an additional and affordable mobility option that people can use to travel to work or school. 

The CIG program differs from other discretionary grant programs. The grant process, laid out in statute and regulations, is a complex multi-year and multi-step process.  FTA evaluates and rates all projects at various points during the process.  Projects that are selected for funding must have a strong local financial commitment and achieve a sufficient overall rating.

There are currently 54 projects moving through the CIG pipeline.  These include large projects, such as the Red and Purple Line Modernization Project in Chicago, and smaller projects, such as the Streetcar project in the City of Baton Rouge.

The FAST Act authorized $2.3 billion for the CIG program in each fiscal year 2016 through 2020, and the House version of the FY 2020 Appropriations bill would provide $2.3 billion for the CIG program.

I recently had the opportunity to speak with Acting Administrator Williams; I believe she is doing everything in her power to ensure that the FTA executes the CIG program consistent with federal law.  We must have a responsible program that makes sound investments in public transit to ensure the public and stakeholders continue to support the program.  This will allow us to make the necessary investments to modernize our surface transportation system. 

I understand, however, that some stakeholders have concerns with changes that FTA announced last year, and the effect those changes are having on projects in the pipeline.  I look forward to our discussion on this important program.