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Energy and Transportation

NCSL AFI Energy and Transportation Committee

A similar letter was sent to members of the Senate.

February 19, 2002

RE: H.R. 3694, "Highway Funding Restoration Act"

Dear Representative:

We write to thank you for cosponsoring H.R. 3694 and pledge the full support of the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) in securing its adoption.

Potential reductions in FY2003 federal highway funding must be avoided. As the nation moves toward economic recovery, we must collectively support programs that maintain or boost employment and simultaneously address public infrastructure needs. H.R. 3694 accomplishes this by tempering a potentially destructive reduction in highway funding created by TEA-21's revenue aligned budget authority (RABA) estimates.

Without the enactment of H.R. 3694, states will delay or cancel road projects. Reductions in FY2003 funding could also affect financing obligations states have incurred. Job losses are imminent with delayed or canceled projects - a counter-cyclical likelihood unless Congress overcomes the negative RABA estimates.

Given our staunch support for TEA-21, we further offer to work closely with you to develop modifications to the guaranteed funding for transportation programs that would address downward funding swings such as that projected for FY2003. For additional assistance, please have your staff contact Michael Bird in NCSL's Washington, D.C. office at 202-624-8686 or michael.bird@ncsl.org. Thank you for your cosponsorship of H.R. 3694 and for your consideration of the concerns of NCSL.

Respectfully,

NCSL Contacts: Michael Bird, Eileen Doherty, Laurie Holmes