The U.S. Department of Transportation unveiled its proposed FY 2004 budget, requesting $54.3 billion -- a 6% increase over President Bush's 2003 request. "During the past year, we at DOT have been hard at work creating a safer, simpler and smarter national transportation system for all Americans," said U.S. Secretary of Transportation Norman Y. Mineta. Highlights of the 2004 budget include $900 million for Amtrak, a level designed to encourage the passenger rail network to adopt reforms that will strengthen its business operations and financial footing. Federal aid to states for highway construction would increase to $29.3 million, 6% more than in 2003. The budget also includes $7.2 billion for the Federal Transit Administration to strengthen and maintain U.S. transit systems. The 2004 budget funds 26 New Starts projects, as well as $189 million for the Federal Railroad Administration.