Earlier this week, members of the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) gathered in New Orleans to talk about the current issues facing public transportation. As Federal Transit Administrator Peter Rogoff told them, “New Orleans is precisely the right venue for us to meet, and derive some strength from this city's inspiring success.”
FTA Administrator Peter Rogoff and Deputy Administrator Therese McMillan tour
the New Orleans Regional Transit Authority streetcar project
The Big Easy setting gave Administrator Rogoff and FTA Deputy Administrator Therese McMillan a chance to tour the Union Passenger Terminal / Loyola Loop Streetcar extension, which is being funded through DOT's TIGER program. This project is creating jobs and, when finished, will provide a transportation option that gets commuters where they are going quickly and efficiently, without the harmful emissions of the cars and trucks riders might otherwise use.
With the American Jobs Act, we can build even more of these projects and put even more men and women to work. As Administrator Rogoff said, “The reward for good work is often more work. And that is the opportunity we have now with the American Jobs Act.”
Unfortunately, I was not able to make the Expo, although I would have loved to enjoy the warm New Orleans weather and the city's wonderful hospitality. Although I couldn’t be there in person, I did send a message along with Administrator Rogoff.
As I said in the video, the bottom line is that this is our moment -- this is our chance to create jobs and keep America moving at the same time. All we need to make it happen is for Congress to pass the American Jobs Act.
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