NATION : Bush Transport Plan Attacked

WASHINGTON — President Bush’s plan for upgrading American transportation ran into roadblocks nationwide today at city halls and statehouses worried over its switch toward more local funding.

“Reading this policy, you would never know we have serious congestion and infrastructure decay problems that need to be boldly addressed. Like the national education and national drug policies, this is another case of all flash and no cash,” said Robert Kiley, chairman of New York’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority.

Objections were also raised in Iowa. “We feel we’ve already taken steps to improve the state’s transportation system. We’ve done our part,” said Richard Vohs, spokesman for Iowa Gov. Terry E. Branstad.

Rep. Norman Y. Mineta (D-San Jose) called the policy “the shift and the shaft” and said, “The big question is that of funding and funding is not really addressed.”

“As a former governor, I know the states are not in a position to assume (more costs),” said Sen. J. James Exon (D-Neb.).