Issue Position: Transportation

Issue Position

Indiana is known as the "Crossroads of America." With hundreds of thousands of people from across Indiana and the country passing through Indianapolis via road, rail and airplane, I know that improving the transportation infrastructure of Indiana's Seventh Congressional District is of paramount importance.

I-65 in Indianapolis

PROTECTING OUR ROADS AND HIGHWAYS

Since my election to Congress, I have repeatedly voted in support of critical funding to help the State of Indiana repair our aging roads, highways and bridges. In the 111th, I voted in support of the Surface Transport Reauthorization bill to help rebuild crumbling highways and bridges across the United States. Unfortunately, this bill was not passed by the Senate, and it was not enacted into law. Undaunted in this 112th Congress, I remain committed to working with the Chairman of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee to pass a new Surface Infrastructure bill to ensure that Hoosier transportation priorities are fully funded.

I also strongly supported the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), which invested billions in the construction and restoration of roads, bridges and highways. During a period of rising unemployment, this landmark legislation created thousands of jobs and vastly improved transportation for the American public. As a result, local residents are benefitting from a significant economic boost that is likely to continue for years to come.

FUNDING PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS

If all Americans used public transportation for only 10% of their daily travel needs, the United States could reduce its dependence on foreign oil by 40%, while cutting emissions and reducing congestion on our roads and highways. Clearly, it has become critical that we make a significant investment in our public transportation infrastructure.

As the 7th District continues to grow, I remain a strong proponent for the expansion of public transporation in Indianapolis. My hope is that local residents will soon start to see comprehensive improvements to our public transit system, like those proposed in the Indy Connect plan. Once implemented, the IndyConnect plan will triple bus service, put in place Bus Rapid Transit and light rail and improve the quality of our roads and bridges. In preparation for expanded public transportation services, I helped IndyGo secure over $1 million for fleet expansion and $8.5 million in expiring earmarks to fund the Downtown Transit Center, which will serve as a central hub for IndyGo and improve efficiency for thousands of riders. I also proudly supported ARRA, which invested billions of dollars to reduce congestion, improve affordability of buses and trains and otherwise prepare cities like Indianapolis for investments in public transit.

PROMOTING RAIL INFRASTRUCTURE

Geographically, Indianapolis lies roughly halfway between Chicago and Louisville. The close proximity of these major metropolitan area led me to work with Secretary Ray LaHood to have the Department of Transportation officially designate this region a high speed rail corridor--making it eligible for future federal funding. In additio to creating thousands of high paying jobs, such a high speed rail line would boost commerce and tourism and reduce congestion on Indiana highways. Going forward, I will continue to press DOT and my colleagues on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee to make high speed rail a reality in the Hoosier state.

While I am a strong support of high speed rail, I understand how critical it is to maintain and expand our conventional passenger rail capacity. During the 111th Congress in an unprecendented boost for local employment and nationwide rail travel, Beech Grove's Amtrak facility was awarded over $32 million in ARRA funding to continue serviceing the Amtrak rail system. I was proud to join Vice President Joe Biden in announcing this award at a ceremony in Washington, D.C. This influx of of funding created over 80 jobs and has helped put our Amtrak facility on track to service America's needs well into the future.

ENCOURAGING ALTERNATIVE FORMS OF TRANSPORATION

Across Indianapolis, a growing number of people are walking or biking to get around instead of driving. This not only reduces time spent sitting in traffic it promotes fitness and reduce emissions. In recognition of the need to expand our system of urban paths and trails throughout Downtown Indianapolis, I have worked with Mayor Ballard to secure $20.5 million in federal funding for the completion of The Indianapolis Cultural Trail. Once completed, the connectivity provided by the Cultural Trail is expected to have a total economic benefit of more than $800 million and will create more than ten thousand jobs--all through direct construction, private sector investment and an expansion of tourism.

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