WASHINGTON – The House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure approved a measure Wednesday that would restore highway funds cut by President Bush’s proposed budget for 2003.

U.S. Rep. John Baldacci, who serves on the committee, provided testimony earlier in the day in opposition to Bush’s budget proposal, which would cut about $37 million in highway funding for Maine. Nationally, the administration’s budget would reduce highway resources by more than $8 billion.

Baldacci called on the committee to begin the process of offsetting the potential reduction by approving the Highway Funding Restoration Bill (H.R. 3694). This bipartisan legislation would bring the national total up to the level outlined in the last major highway bill (TEA-21). The funding restoration bill was approved by a voice vote later in the day.

Baldacci also called on Congress to take steps beyond H.R. 3694, emphasizing that Maine has substantial unmet needs that could still affect highway safety and economic progress.

“Maine’s transportation needs are significant, and the backlog of roads and bridges in need of repair continually grows. Harsh winter weather and extensive use by both tourists and heavy trucks take their toll on our roads,” Baldacci said.

“I want to reiterate that the funding level we are setting here today is a floor, not a ceiling. I am supporting this legislation as a first step in ensuring that the infrastructure needs of our communities in Maine and throughout the country can be met. I hope that the chairman and ranking member will work with me to go beyond this floor and to restore the remaining funding that our states need and deserve,” Baldacci concluded.