Yesterday, I came to Seattle, a city that succeeds in promoting growth and opportunity while limiting sprawl, congestion, and greenhouse gas emissions. The Obama Administration wants to help more communities across the U.S. enjoy the easy access to jobs, homes, schools, and transit that cities like Seattle offer.
And, thanks to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), this Administration is investing in more than 5,700 good transportation projects all over the country that do just that. We’ve made more than $20 billion available, with much more to come. By rebuilding and improving transit systems, bike paths, walking trails, roads, and bridges, this Administration is using stimulus funds to create jobs and achieve a new American mobility.
I've repeated that message on these blog pages many times because it's so important. In Seattle yesterday, Washington Governor Christine Gregoire made the same point.
In Seattle, $23 million in recovery dollars will help purchase new hybrid buses, additional bike lockers and other transit needs.
In addition, we’re investing $44 million of stimulus money to accelerate work on the University Link light rail system. This important project will connect the three largest urban centers in the state--Capitol Hill, Downtown Seattle, and the University of Washington.
This project will create good jobs, will see 70,000 daily boardings, and will cement Seattle’s reputation as one of the most transit-friendly and livable cities in America.
This Administration understands that it’s important to invest in America’s cities to keep them vibrant and economically healthy. And, a diverse and efficient transportation system is an essential part of that effort.
That’s why one of our top priorities at DOT is to invest in projects in communities like Seattle--to help them become more livable and sustainable by reducing traffic congestion, improving air quality, and providing access to good public transportation options, employment, and housing.
Folks, it's really very simple: More transportation choices means more mobility. Seattle gets it. Portland gets it. The Obama Administration gets it.