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Public Transit Projects will support and create hundreds of thousands of jobs
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12/04/09 02:44 PM ET
America needs new jobs to help turn our struggling economy around. For this reason, I am calling on Congress to invest at least $15 billion in our public transportation systems. This funding will support hundreds of thousands of jobs and stimulate essential economic activity.
The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) has just completed a survey of public transit systems nationwide which identified more than $15 billion in public transportation capital projects that can begin within 90 days. This investment in public transportation would create and support more than 450,000 jobs and bring much needed resources to local economies. The vast majority of public transit systems also identified further needs for federal assistance beyond the $15 billion in order to avoid employee layoffs and service cuts.
Research shows that the new jobs produced by funding for public transportation boost American workers in the sectors which have been hit hardest by the economic downturn, including construction and manufacturing. It will create growth in the industries that need it the most. Additionally, investing in the future of public transportation is part of developing America’s green economy and maintaining our global competitiveness.
According to the “Economic Impact of Public Transportation,” a report by the Economic Development Research Group this fall, for every $1 invested in public transportation, an average of $4 is generated in economic returns. Roughly $3.6 billion worth of business sales and nearly $500 million in federal, state and local tax revenues are also generated.
Our public transit systems have demonstrated their ability to both effectively implement projects and revitalize and improve communities across America. More than 90 percent of the federal funds provided under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act have been obligated to date, but the need for greater funding remains.
For all of these reasons, it is essential that Congress commits to a significant investment of at least $15 billion in our public transportation systems and creates good-paying, much-needed American jobs.
The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) has just completed a survey of public transit systems nationwide which identified more than $15 billion in public transportation capital projects that can begin within 90 days. This investment in public transportation would create and support more than 450,000 jobs and bring much needed resources to local economies. The vast majority of public transit systems also identified further needs for federal assistance beyond the $15 billion in order to avoid employee layoffs and service cuts.
Research shows that the new jobs produced by funding for public transportation boost American workers in the sectors which have been hit hardest by the economic downturn, including construction and manufacturing. It will create growth in the industries that need it the most. Additionally, investing in the future of public transportation is part of developing America’s green economy and maintaining our global competitiveness.
According to the “Economic Impact of Public Transportation,” a report by the Economic Development Research Group this fall, for every $1 invested in public transportation, an average of $4 is generated in economic returns. Roughly $3.6 billion worth of business sales and nearly $500 million in federal, state and local tax revenues are also generated.
Our public transit systems have demonstrated their ability to both effectively implement projects and revitalize and improve communities across America. More than 90 percent of the federal funds provided under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act have been obligated to date, but the need for greater funding remains.
For all of these reasons, it is essential that Congress commits to a significant investment of at least $15 billion in our public transportation systems and creates good-paying, much-needed American jobs.
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