James Oberstar: “first, I want to thank Chairmen Shuster and Petri and Ranking Member Rahall for the cooperative manner in which we…”

“first, I want to thank Chairmen Shuster and Petri and Ranking Member Rahall for the cooperative manner in which we developed this amendment. Through their willingness to address Member concerns, we were able to agree on a significant number of Member requests. We have developed a good package that further strengthens BESTEA. I want to highlight a few of the provisions. First, the manager's amendment includes provisions that will provide CMAQ funding for newly-designated non-attainment communities. Because the EPA is currently reviewing the criteria for non-attainment, it is important that our bill clarify that if the new criteria lead to designation of additional non-attainment areas, those areas would qualify for funding. Also, the amendment ensures continued CMAQ funding for communities that progress from non-attainment to maintenance status. At the request of our friends on the Science Committee, this amendment adds several provisions from their surface transportation research bill, H.R. 860. For example, the provisions clarify the Department of Transportation's responsibility to develop a strategic planning process for surface transportation research and technology development activities. I want to note that these provisions are designed to be consistent with the Government Performance and Results Act requirements and not a separate effort.”