Richard Shelby: “If our limitation becomes law by the end of September, the States will be apportioned an average of 18 percent more--18…”

“If our limitation becomes law by the end of September, the States will be apportioned an average of 18 percent more--18 percent more--highway obligation limitation for 1998 than they were apportioned at the beginning of last fiscal year. That is some improvement in the money. In addition, we have included $300 million for Appalachian Development Highway System investment consistent with existing authorization. The Federal Government made a commitment to improve these highways which run through economically undeveloped areas in 13 of our States, and our bill helps to keep that commitment. This investment will pay off not only in economic development in areas that are in much need of it but also in lives saved since these highways in mountainous areas are often high-accident locations in our country. As most Senators know, Federal investment in airport development has been declining in recent years, and the administration proposed a further cut for the coming year. Our committee could not agree with that proposal at a time when air travel is increasingly in demand and air safety is uppermost in the minds of travelers. We have included $1.7 billion for the airport improvement program. Transit formula and discretionary accounts, including funding for Washington Metrorail construction, all of which are for capital investment in our bill, are funded at $4.56 billion, $311 million above fiscal year 1997.”