Gary Condit: “as our transportation needs change going into the 21st century, our current funding formula dating back to 1916 needs to…”

“as our transportation needs change going into the 21st century, our current funding formula dating back to 1916 needs to be updated. H.R. 647, STEP 21, is a commonsense approach to reforming transportation funding that simplifies and reduces the complex ISTEA program and funding set-aside. STEP 21 is not a substitute bill for ISTEA. It represents the next logical step to ISTEA. Our focus is strictly on highway funding. Our purpose is to create equity among the States. It is time to fix an outdated funding formula. We need to strike a balance between equity and meeting our transportation needs. STEP 21 ensures a true 95 percent return on States' contributions to the Federal highway trust fund. In California, STEP 21's funding formula would mean an additional $500 million per year over the life of ISTEA. California deserves a better rate of return. When we factor out emergencies and transit funding, California receives 86 cents on the dollar, and that is wrong. The question is one of equity, and it is time for California to receive her fair share. The argument is not whether the Federal Government should play a role in administrating the highway program, it is how big, how big the Federal role should be. It is time to allow States and local officials the flexibility to solve their own unique set of problems. STEP 21 gives local governments more flexibility without endangering CMAQ or enhancement programs.”