For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
February 24, 2004
Executive Order Human Service Transportation Coordination
By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and
the laws of the United States of America, and to enhance access to
transportation to improve mobility, employment opportunities, and
access to community services for persons who are
transportation-disadvantaged, it is hereby ordered as follows:
Section 1. This order is issued consistent with the following
findings and principles:
(a) A strong America depends on citizens who are productive and
who actively participate in the life of their communities.
(b) Transportation plays a critical role in providing access to
employment, medical and health care, education, and other community
services and amenities. The importance of this role is underscored by
the variety of transportation programs that have been created in
conjunction with health and human service programs, and by the
significant Federal investment in accessible public transportation
systems throughout the Nation.
(c) These transportation resources, however, are often difficult
for citizens to understand and access, and are more costly than
necessary due to inconsistent and unnecessary Federal and State program
rules and restrictions.
(d) A broad range of Federal program funding allows for the
purchase or provision of transportation services and resources for
persons who are transportation-disadvantaged. Yet, in too many
communities, these services and resources are fragmented, unused, or
altogether unavailable.
(e) Federally assisted community transportation services should be
seamless, comprehensive, and accessible to those who rely on them for
their lives and livelihoods. For persons with mobility limitations
related to advanced age, persons with disabilities, and persons
struggling for self-sufficiency, transportation within and between our
communities should be as available and affordable as possible.
(f) The development, implementation, and maintenance of
responsive, comprehensive, coordinated community transportation systems
is essential for persons with disabilities, persons with low incomes,
and older adults who rely on such transportation to fully participate
in their communities.
Sec. 2. Definitions.
(a) As used in this order, the term
"agency" means an executive department or agency of the Federal
Government.
(b) For the purposes of this order, persons who are
transportation-disadvantaged are persons who qualify for Federally
conducted or Federally assisted transportation-related programs or
services due to disability, income, or advanced age.
Sec. 3. Establishment of the Interagency Transportation
Coordinating Council on Access and Mobility.
(a) There is hereby
established, within the Department of Transportation for administrative
purposes, the "Interagency Transportation Coordinating Council on
Access and Mobility" ("Interagency Transportation Coordinating Council"
or "Council"). The membership of the Interagency Transportation
Coordinating Council shall consist of:
(i) the Secretaries of Transportation, Health and Human Services,
Education, Labor, Veterans Affairs, Agriculture, Housing and Urban
Development, and the Interior, the Attorney General, and the
Commissioner of Social Security; and
(ii) such other Federal officials as the Chairperson of the
Council
may designate.
(b) The Secretary of Transportation, or the Secretary's designee,
shall serve as the Chairperson of the Council. The Chairperson shall
convene and preside at meetings of the Council, determine its agenda,
direct its work, and, as appropriate to particular subject matters,
establish and direct subgroups of the Council, which shall consist
exclusively of the Council's members.
(c) A member of the Council may designate any person who is part
of the member's agency and who is an officer appointed by the President
or a full-time employee serving in a position with pay equal to or
greater than the minimum rate payable for GS-15 of the General Schedule
to perform functions of the Council or its subgroups on the member's
behalf.
Sec 4. Functions of the Interagency Transportation Coordinating
Council. The Interagency Transportation Coordinating Council shall:
(a) promote interagency cooperation and the establishment of
appropriate mechanisms to minimize duplication and overlap of Federal
programs and services so that transportation-disadvantaged persons have
access to more transportation services;
(b) facilitate access to the most appropriate, cost-effective
transportation services within existing resources;
(c) encourage enhanced customer access to the variety of
transportation and resources available;
(d) formulate and implement administrative, policy, and procedural
mechanisms that enhance transportation services at all levels; and
(e) develop and implement a method for monitoring progress on
achieving the goals of this order.
Sec. 5. Report. In performing its functions, the Interagency
Transportation Coordinating Council shall present to me a report not
later than 1 calendar year from the date of this order. The report
shall:
(a) Identify those Federal, State, Tribal and local laws,
regulations, procedures, and actions that have proven to be most useful
and appropriate in coordinating transportation services for the
targeted populations;
(b) Identify substantive and procedural requirements of
transportation-related Federal laws and regulations that are
duplicative or restrict the laws' and regulations' most efficient
operation;
(c) Describe the results achieved, on an agency and program basis,
in:
(i) simplifying access to transportation services for persons with
disabilities, persons with low income, and older adults;
(ii) providing
the most appropriate, cost-effective transportation services within
existing resources; and
(iii) reducing duplica-tion to make funds
available for more services to more such persons;
(d) Provide recommendations to simplify and coordinate applicable
substantive, procedural, and administrative requirements; and
(e) Provide any other recommendations that would, in the judgment
of the Council, advance the principles set forth in section 1 of this
order.
Sec. 6. General.
(a) Agencies shall assist the Interagency
Transportation Coordinating Council and provide information to the
Council consistent with applicable law as may be necessary to carry out
its functions. To the extent permitted by law, and as permitted by
available agency resources, the Department of Transportation shall
provide funding and administrative support for the Council.
(b) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or
otherwise affect the functions of the Director of the Office of
Management and Budget relating to budget, administrative, or
legislative proposals.
(c) This order is intended only to improve the internal management
of the executive branch and is not intended to, and does not, create
any right or benefit, sub-stantive or procedural, enforceable at law or
in equity by a party against the United States, its departments,
agencies, instrumentalities or entities, its officers or employees, or
any other person.
GEORGE W. BUSH
THE WHITE HOUSE,
February 24, 2004.
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