Congressman Sestak Presses for New Comprehensive Transportation Policy

Press Release

Speaking at a forum organized by the Transportation Management Association of Chester County (TMACC) this morning, Congressman Joe Sestak (PA-07) discussed ways to address key local transportation issues including traffic congestion, alternative technologies, public transit, and funding for transportation projects in the region. His remarks centered on the need to refocus our energy toward planning in order to create a modern transportation infrastructure and keep our country competitive, while highlighting recent transportation projects in the region. He called on Congress to clearly define a new national transportation policy like those that led to the railroad networks of the late 1800s and the interstate highway system of the 1950s.

"As we retool our economy for global success, we must have a retooling of and rededication to national and regional transportation planning that fosters economic growth and fulfills the needs of the future, instead of merely appropriating tax-dollars on transportation spending for the sake of spending alone," said Congressman Sestak. "We need to begin creating more regional airport systems and first class ports connected by quality and high-speed rail systems. We need an integrated and well-designed road system that not only moves more people, but also does so in a way that minimizes crashes and increases efficiency. And we must do it in a way that brings all the players together in an open and transparent process."

Congressman Sestak discussed his proposed legislation requiring the Secretary of Transportation to perform a study looking at the country's transportation needs over the next thirty years and to draft a plan that integrates all modes of transportation to address those needs with near-term and long-term goals. He specifically highlighted his support for new high-speed rail projects.

The Congressman highlighted positive effects of the Economic Stimulus Bill locally. Specific projects the stimulus has funded include the removal of a defunct bridge above the AMTRAK line in Parkesburg Borough, the construction of wheelchair curb ramps throughout Chester County, new sidewalks in Tredyffrin Township, and much-needed repaving projects on US 202 and US 30.

Born and raised in Delaware County, former 3-star Admiral Joe Sestak served in the Navy for 31 years and now serves as the Representative from the 7th District of Pennsylvania. He led a series of operational commands at sea, including Commander of an aircraft carrier battle group of 30 U.S. and allied ships with over 15,000 sailors and 100 aircraft that conducted operations in Afghanistan and Iraq. After 9/11, Joe was the first Director of "Deep Blue," the Navy's anti-terrorism unit that established strategic and operations policies for the "Global War on Terrorism." He served as President Clinton's Director for Defense Policy at the National Security Council in the White House, and holds a Ph.D. in Political Economy and Government from Harvard University. According to the office of the House Historian, Joe is the highest-ranking former military officer ever elected to the U.S. Congress.

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