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With a new Administration and Congress, and economic stimulus legislation that includes a chunk of money for transit already in place — and the surface transportation bill up for renewal later this year — the American Public Transportation Association's (APTA) Legislative Conference is taking on new importance this year.

More than 500 APTA members are expected to convene in Washington, D.C., March 9-11 to discuss a variety of key topics, including the new faces in the nation's capital; up-to-date information on the recently passed American Economic Recovery and Reinvestment Act; federal legislative initiatives involving climate change, high-speed and intercity passenger rail; and the status of the FY2010 transportation appropriation.

Participants also will visit congressional representatives to promote the importance of public transportation and talk about public transit initiatives.

Scheduled speakers include Rep. James Oberstar (D-Minn.), chairman of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee; Rep. John Mica (R-Fla.), ranking member of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure; Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore.), member of the Committee on Ways and Means; and Patrick McCrory, mayor of Charlotte, N.C.