Statement of Congressman DeSaulnier on State Auditor Report on BART

Washington -- In light of the report released by the California State Auditor on the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) District, Congressman DeSaulnier made the following statement. DeSaulnier has been involved in Bay Area transportation for years, has worked closely to avoid strikes, and was one of the officials who requested the State Auditor report.

"Now that we have the auditor's report back and recommendations on remedies to prevent future commute disruptions, it is past time for the Bay Area to invest fully in its infrastructure. The Bay Area ranks 19th in the world when compared to national economies. Yet, the Metropolitan Transportation Commission projects a $43 billion shortfall in maintaining and operating transportation systems during the coming decades. It is time for the public sector to invest in transportation. We have the highest density of venture capital firms in the world in our area. We need the same type of investment and innovation in transportation systems. This generation must continue the stewardship of the Bay Area economy that previous generations bestowed on us," said Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (CA-11).

Congressman DeSaulnier previously served as the Chair of the State Senate Transportation and Housing Committee and in the State Assembly as the first freshman in history to chair the Assembly Transportation Committee. While in the State Senate, he was also the Chair of the Senate Labor and Industrial Relationships Committee. As a member of the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors, he was appointed to the Metropolitan Transportation Commission and the Association of Bay Area Governments. He currently serves as a member of the U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform and sits on the Subcommittee on Transportation and Public Assets.

Link to the full report by the State Auditor on the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system can be found here.

#