Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Peter A. DeFazio (D-OR), House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Richard E. Neal (D-MA), other House leaders, and the House Democratic Caucus released a new $760 billion framework proposal to address America's growing infrastructure needs.

The proposal calls for an investment of $434 billion in surface transportation over five years, including $105 billion for public transit and $55 billion for passenger rail. In addition to surface transportation, the proposal addresses other transportation modes, including airports, ports, and inland waterways, as well as clean energy and broadband issues. It also includes provisions to tackle climate change through the development of green infrastructure, such as zero-emission vehicles.

“The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) applauds House Democratic leaders proposed framework to rebuild and expand America’s infrastructure, particularly the focus on critical funding for public transit and passenger rail infrastructure,” said APTA President/CEO Paul P. Skoutelas in a statement. “This framework includes important provisions for maintaining and expanding our public transportation infrastructure, and represents a commitment to growing our communities, supporting jobs, and providing expanded mobility options.”

“APTA has emphatically urged lawmakers that now is the time to invest more in our nation’s public transportation infrastructure to help our communities provide critical public transit services. Public transportation provides millions of Americans with access to jobs, education, and health care. We applaud House leaders for jump starting the infrastructure debate and look forward to working with Congress on a bipartisan basis to move forward with legislation that will repair, maintain and improve our public transit and passenger rail systems today and in the future.”

Some of the specific goals stated by the Democrats: (To view the proposal click here)

• Brings existing infrastructure into a state of good repair and enables the completion of critical projects through long-term, sustainable funding.

• Sets a path toward zero carbon pollution from the transportation sector, creating jobs, protecting natural resources, promoting environmental justice, and increasing resiliency to climate change.

• Ensures a transportation system that is green, affordable, reliable, efficient, and provides access to jobs.