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Here is a press release from the American Public Transit Association.

 APTA Supports Lautenberg Full-Funding Plan
 To: National Desk, Transportation Writer
 Contact: Chip Bishop of the American Public Transit Association,
          202-898-4114

   WASHINGTON, Jan. 26  -- The following is a statement by 
Jack R. Gilstrap, executive vice president, American Public Transit 
Association:

   The American Public Transit Association strongly supports Sen.
Frank Lautenberg's Start Up plan to fully fund ISTEA, the Intermodal
Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991.
   Chairman Lautenberg's planned $6.7 billion supplemental
appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 1993 would make an additional
$1.4 billion in federal aid available this year -- in addition to
the $3.8 billion already approved -- to upgrade and expand public
transit services across the nation.  If enacted, it would achieve
the full promise of ISTEA which authorized $5.2 billion for transit
improvements this year.
   Chairman Lautenberg's full-funding initiative is consistent with a
commitment made by President Clinton during the campaign and the
position taken by the nation's mayors and other public interest
groups.
   Full funding would go a long way toward revitalizing the economy
and putting people back to work.  APTA estimates that the incremental
$1.4 billion for transit would mean support for 93,000 full-time
jobs and more than $4 billion worth of new revenue for business.
   Our transit-system members have told us they are able and ready to
spend up to $7 billion in additional funding this year on a backlog
of projects.  Chairman Lautenberg's proposal is a necessary and
appropriate first step toward that goal.
   Full funding of ISTEA has been APTA's No. 1 legislative
priority.  We look forward to working with the chairman and his
colleagues to help turn it into law.
    ------
   APTA is the international association of operating transit
authorities, their suppliers and other advocates of improved transit
service.
 -30-
-- 
Nigel Allen, Toronto, Ontario    ndallen@r-node.pci.on.ca