• For over 80 years RPA has been at forefront of promoting and supporting growth in tri-state area. Today it is more essential than ever, with 20 million people living in the area and separate jurisdictions often offering the same services or competing with one another. We need to work interconnectedly and regionally, not competitively. We are all in this together. Improper tax incentives cause abandonment and economic problems. Beggar thy neighbor policies serve no good purpose

• Just like when RPA released its first Regional Plan in 1929, we are in an economic downturn, and it's bold of RPA to suggest what to do over next 20-30 years. Our region has lost over 325,000 jobs. Our metropolis is one whose resolve is being sorely tested. Region's greatest asset is human capital.

• Transportation improvement is key. Need to move goods and people. System needs to be upgraded and expanded Congestion costs-$7.7 billion (2nd highest in nation) Lack of room for new roads People must "get out of their cars"

• RPA has identified three transportation projects

° Eastside access

° Metrolink 2nd Avenue subway

° Access to region's core (ARC)

° Third rail under Hudson River for commuters from NJ

° Third tunnel is critical for the Olympics

• I worked hard to get funding for Secaucus transfer site to allow for Midtown Direct service. These projects increase capacity. NJ Transit demand for rail service will exceed existing capacity by 20% by 2020. We need third rail tunnel.

• To get this done, we need local, city, and federal support. Two NJ tunnels are part of Amtrak northeast corridor. Federal funds for capital improvements will be a fight, and "doubters" exist

• Senate session FY 2004 resolution: Doubled Amtrak's funding to $1.8 billion. Minimal federal amount necessary, yet amendment passed barely, 51 to 49. Amtrak should not be expected to be a self-supporting institution. Capital costs will always need assistance.

• This is the year for Amtrak reauthorization. John McCain (AZ) hates Amtrak. I fought hard to get on the committee. McCain thinks that states should pay for transportation.

• Region's priorities are not the nation's priorities. NJ got back 65 cents for each dollar it sent to DC; NY got back 84 cents for each dollar it sent to DC; CT got back 67 cents for each dollar it sent to DC. MT and MS get back substantially more in return for their contribution. Upcoming highway bill will bring this issue up, but on transportation specifically, we don't do as badly on paper, although our needs are much greater. Region's congressional delegation must get as much support for transportation funds as possible.