I like to offer my regrets that I am unable to attend this hearing. Unfortunately, I am attending to pressing family matters in Idaho. Nonetheless, I am pleased that Brent Coles, the Mayor of Boise, Idaho, is able to attend and speak at this hearing regarding the reauthorization of TEA-21. In addition to his capacity as mayor, Mr. Coles is a member of the Regional Public Transit Authority and the Treasure Valley Partnership.
Mayor Coles has been a leader in fostering regional cooperation and coordination of transit, and has actively supported the creation of a regional public transit authority in southwest Idaho. The significance of transit operations will continue into this century, and it is important to develop and keep in mind a sense of the needs of local governments prior to any action on our part.
In metropolitan areas such as Boise, more must done to address the transit needs of rural and disabled passengers while providing extended service to the growing needs of a metropolitan population.
Since Boise, Idaho, is one of the fastest growing metropolitan areas in the country, Mayor Coles’ testimony will be invaluable for our committee as we work to reauthorize the transit portion of TEA-21 and improve transit programs in federal land states.