APTA Applauds Representatives’ Call for Full CIG Funding

This week, a record-breaking 128 representatives, led by Rep. Robert Garcia (D-CA), sent a bipartisan letter to leaders of the House Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies (THUD) Appropriations Subcommittee urging them to fully fund public transit Capital Investment Grants (CIG) and appropriate $3 billion for CIG in FY25. Combined with the advance appropriation of $1.6 billion, provided by the Infrastructure and Investment Jobs Act, this appropriation would fully fund CIG at $4.6 billion. APTA voiced its strong support for the request and actively encouraged representatives to sign the letter.

“As a strong advocate for affordable, accessible, and reliable public transportation, I’m proud to lead 128 of my congressional colleagues in fighting for full funding toward FTA’s Capital Investment Grants program transit expansions,” said Rep. Garcia. “Transit investments are crucial for expanding economic opportunities, easing congestion, and ensuring millions of Americans have essential transportation options. Together, we can build a more sustainable and accessible transportation network for all Americans.”

This CIG investment would help address the enormous, identified need for funding critical public transit capital projects. Currently, 65 CIG projects in 24 states are requesting almost $42 billion of funds. See APTA’s CIG Project Pipeline Dashboard.

“Local taxpayers rely on partnerships with the federal government to develop essential public transit projects like those supported by CIG,” the letter stated. “These are transformational projects for the communities we serve in Congress, and the CIG program is a critical tool for making them a reality. It generates significant regional economic growth, attracts businesses to the project corridors, connects workers to their employers, and relieves freight congestion chokepoints.

“Transit project benefits extend well beyond the project corridor, sending $41.8 billion annually—56 percent of transit expenditures—to the private sector via manufacturers, suppliers, and service firms located in nearly every congressional district in the United States.”

“Strong public transportation grows the economy by connecting people to jobs, education, healthcare, businesses, and opportunities,” said APTA President and CEO Paul P. Skoutelas. “Investing fully in public transportation will benefit all Americans. The CIG program is critical to building communities and planning these critical transit investments.”

For more information, visit apta.com/impact.