SENATE RESOLUTION No. 72

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

INTRODUCED DECEMBER 19, 1996

By Senators CIESLA and SINGER

A Senate Resolution urging the President and the Congress of the United States to reauthorize the federal Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991, and to insure that the respective federal funding amounts for highway and mass transportation purposes are not reduced below current levels.

Whereas, The Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 (ISTEA), signed into law by the President in December, 1991, is a six year program authorized to provide a total of $155 billion for highway and mass transportation purposes; and

Whereas, ISTEA has provided significant, annual federal funding to New Jersey and all other states to help develop a strong, globally-competitive economy and to improve the mobility, safety and well-being of our nation's residents; and

Whereas, Our state, regional and national transportation systems still face growing travel demand, inadequate capacity, "bottlenecks," and awkward connections between different forms of transportation; and

Whereas, The need to continue and accelerate improvements to our transportation systems is absolutely vital for economic growth, to address safety and environmental concerns, and to reduce the costs and disruptions that an inefficient transportation system imposes on our residents; and

Whereas, A federal role of providing leadership and long-term funding remains essential if a smooth, seamless highway and mass transportation system is to be achieved and then maintained; now, therefore,

    Be It Resolved by the Senate of the State of New Jersey:

    1. The President and the Congress of the United States are urged to reauthorize the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 (ISTEA), prior to its expiration in October 1997, for a period of time and a level of funding for highway and mass transportation purposes that is no less than current ISTEA authorization levels. Timely reauthorization of ISTEA is paramount if states are to continue, without interruption, their efforts to improve and enhance the effectiveness of our nation's state, regional, and national transportation systems.

    2. Duly authenticated copies of this resolution, signed by the President of the Senate and attested to by the Secretary thereof, shall be transmitted to the President and the Vice President of the United States, and to each member of Congress.

STATEMENT

    This resolution urges the President and the Congress of the United States to reauthorize the federal Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 (ISTEA), prior to its expiration in October 1997, for a period of time and a level of funding for highway and mass transportation purposes that is no less than current ISTEA authorization levels.

Urges President and Congress to reauthorize Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 at no less than current levels.