Sep 16, 2009 9:00 AM EDT

Transportation Museums and Historic Preservation at Risk - Please Call Your Senators NOW!!!

Transportation Museums and Historic Preservation at Risk - Please Call Your Senators NOW!!!

Sept. 15, 2009 - Sen. Tom Coburn (R-Okla.) and Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) have filed three amendments to the FY10 Transportation Appropriations bill (H.R. 3288) that would block funding for transportation museums and threaten historic preservation efforts.

The amendments:

Amendment No. 2372, as filed, says, "None of the funds made available by this Act may be used for a museum."
Amendment No. 2370, as filed, says, "None of the funds made available by this Act may be used for...the reduction of vehicle-caused wildlife mortality or the maintenance of habitat connectivity; transportation museums; scenic beautification projects; and pedestrian or bicycle facility projects."
Amendment No. 2371, as filed, says, "None of the funds made available by this Act may be used to implement section 133(d)(2) of title 23, United States Code." Note: This section of law requires states to set aside 10% of funding from this bill for a range of "Transportation Enhancements," which include historic preservation and museums.

These amendments are expected to be debated and voted on by the Senate Wednesday morning, so it is URGENT to contact your Senators TODAY to urge a NO vote.

"Historic preservation efforts and transportation-related museums should be a priority for this nation," said AAM President Ford W. Bell. "These museums and projects record and teach about our history and help to revitalize communities struggling in this economy. I urge the Senate to reject these harmful amendments."

You can help today by CALLING 202-224-3121 and asking for YOUR U.S. SENATORS. Please ask them to "reject any amendment that threatens transportation enhancements, especially historic preservation and museums - such as Amendments 2370, 2371, and 2372."

Then let us know about it by emailing mat@aam-us.org!

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