(5/30/98 Baltimore AFRO-American Newspaper)
by Congressman Elijah E. Cummings
As a member of the Transportation Committee, I can confirm reports that the transportation bill, recently signed into law, was a topic of heated debate. The bill has attracted attention primarily because it will authorize the spending of $200 billion to build and repair the nation’s roadways and transportation systems. This money will not only make the highways that we travel physically safer. It will also provide economic growth and environmental health for our region.
Transportation is no longer a luxury item. In the last three decades it has become increasingly vital to nearly every individual and industry. Highways are the thoroughfares upon which the nations most precious resources travel---us. The highway system is the infrastructure upon which food, clothing, lumber, paper, computers, milk and various other daily essentials make their journey. Likewise, many Americans commute to work, visit family members and travel to vacation spots on those same routes. Therefore, it is crucial that the transportation systems are as safe as possible.
This legislation emphasizes fairness, safety, the environment, local flexibility, streamlining and national priorities. To assist in this national effort, Maryland will receive approximately $88 million more per year in transportation dollars under BESTEA (Building Efficient Surface Transportation and Equity Act) than it had under the 1991 ISTEA (Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act). This additional funding translates into more jobs, safer roads, less congestion and less vehicle produced pollution.
BESTEA, a bipartisan bill, meets the nation’s infrastructure needs by unlocking the Highway Trust Fund into which Americans pay their gas taxes. Each time you and I fill at the gas station, a percentage of the price per gallon is paid to this fund.
The BESTEA bill has an additional provision for disadvantaged businesses. The federal Disadvantage Business Enterprise (DBE) program will provide more than $250 million for Maryland DBE’s and more than $20 billion nationally. This program’s objective is to promote equal opportunity and eradicate the lingering effects of discrimination. The effect of this legislation is felt in minority communities. Typically the transportation industry has been inhospitable to minorities. This legislation will enable us to grow our businesses and contribute to the productivity of the nation. One critical feature of this bill is that 10% of $200 billion has been committed to DBE’s.
I am pleased to add that the 7th congressional district will receive $31 million for various special projects. For example, $13.3 million will be disbursed for citywide signal control system replacements and improvements. Nearly $11 million will be spent for infrastructure improvement within the Empowerment Zone. An additional $3.4 million will be used to upgrade roads at Leakin Parks intermodal corridor. Another $1.35 million has been committed to the construction of pedestrian and bicycle paths between Druid Hill Park and Penn Station. Moreover, Morgan State University has been slated to receive $6 million for its transportation center.
The MAGLEV program was funded at $1 billion. Baltimore is one of five cities to receive $5 million for impact research. Those five cities will then compete for the remaining $970 million to complete the transportation project. MAGLEV promises to produce a 16 minute train ride from Baltimore to Washington. With such a condensed travel time, tourist, conventioneers, hotels and companies will be inclined to investigate and invest in the area. Maryland stands to greatly benefit from this landmark legislation designed to increase employment, improve roadways, and provide a higher quality of life.
-The Honorable Elijah E. Cummings represents the 7th Congressional District of Maryland in the United States House of Representatives.