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"Responsibilities come hand in hand with opportunity. High-tech, high-wage jobs mean nothing if our commutes are daily doses of gridlock. We must construct infrastructure that facilitates access to public transit, including better roads, intermodal transit stations, and expanded carpool rides. We have a shared responsibility to build better transportation services for Silicon Valley's next generation."
- Congressman Mike Honda
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PROVEN RECORD OF ACCOMPLISHMENT ON TRANSPORTATION
In over 30 years of public service, Representative Mike Honda has helped secure billions of dollars in federal funding for transit developments throughout Silicon Valley. Representing one of the largest metropolitan transportation corridors with 3 major cities in Silicon Valley, Mike works closely with key transit officials and vigorously advocates for increased federal funding for transit projects. As a former member of the House Transportation Committee, Rep. Honda has fought for transit-oriented development and multi-modal transportation systems that build on green technologies as a way to mitigate climate change. Mike is also a consistent supporter of building a 21st Century, job-creating transportation system that includes California high-speed rail, and a leader in the effort to bring the BART system to Silicon Valley. |
ACCESSIBILITY AND EXPANSION: BAY AREA RAPID TRANSIT (BART) SILICON VALLEY PROJECT
With the slow-down in the economy, more and more people are taking jobs that require longer daily commutes. Congressman Honda fights to relieve the pressure on our highways and reduce traffic congestion by continuing to expand Caltrain and Light Rail service in Santa Clara County, and bring high-speed rail to California. He has successfully led the effort in Congress to secure the $900 million federal grant agreement needed for the BART Silicon Valley Project, which will soon extend the rail line from the Warm Springs Station in Fremont to a future station in the Berryessa region of San Jose. Mike personally worked with the Secretary of Transportation to keep the federal funding for this job-creating project on track, including bringing the first $100 million back home earlier this year. When realized, the project will enhance regional commuter connectivity; alleviate traffic congestion; improve access; and maximize public transit usage among businesses. The project also promises to be an economic success, with the expectation that for every dollar spent on construction of the BART project, $4 to $10 will be reinvested in the local economy. Furthermore, an average of 2,500 annual jobs is estimated to be created during construction, in addition to the estimated 7,400 permanent jobs that would be created per year as a result of the BART Silicon Valley Project. |
SUPPORTING ZERO- AND LOW-EMISSION VEHICLES: INCENTIVIZING GREEN ENERGY
California has long led the country in the effort to reduce vehicle emmission, but there is much more to be done. Congressman Honda is committed to raising pollution standards so that new automobiles are more efficient and run cleaner, supporting incentives such as tax credits and other governmental support for research of alternative fuel sources and zero- or ultra-low-emmission vehicles. Has has secured upward of $120 million in federal funds for infrastructure and transportation projects, including the VTA and SamTrans procurement of zero-emission buses — a groundbreaking effort that will keep us as one of the most progressive regions in the nation.
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SAFETY AND SECURITY: DRIVING WILL INFLUENCED (DWI) BLUE RIBBON TASK FORCE
Drunk driving is a public health crisis, and DWI courts—which are on the frontlines of the national effort to curb drunk driving—offer a proven method of reducing recidivism rates among DWI offenders. Unlike traditional court systems, DWI courts hold offenders to the highest level of accountability while providing long-term, intensive treatment and compliance monitoring to address the root cause: alcohol abuse. Unfortunately, as too few of these courts are taking advantage of federal transportation dollars, Mike has been at the forefront addressing the urgency to allow grant funding eligibility of DWI Courts for basic Alcohol-Impaired Driving Countermeasures, consistently offering amendments and legislation to increase eligibility. |
SAFETY AND SECURITY: BLUE RIBBON TASK FORCE ON AVIATION SAFETY AND TECHNOLOGY
California has long led the country in the effort to reduce vehicle emission, but there is much more to be done. Congressman Honda is committed to raising pollution standards so that new automobiles are more efficient and run cleaner, supporting incentives such as tax credits and other governmental support for research of alternative fuel sources and zero or ultra low-emission vehicles. He has secured upward of $120 million in federal funds for infrastructure and transportation projects, including the VTA and SamTrans procurement of zero-emission buses—a groundbreaking effort that will keep us as one of the most progressive regions in the nation. |
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