Rep. Adams, Senator Hirono Reintroduce the Saving Transit Art Resources (STAR) Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. (NC-12) and Senator Mazie Hirono (D-HI) reintroduced the Saving Transit Art Resources (STAR) Act, which would reinstate a federal flexibility to allow local transit authorities the ability to incorporate art into federally - funded transit projects.

"Public art is infrastructure," said Congresswoman Adams, an artist and former art professor of 40 years. "I've seen firsthand how art shapes the way people experience a place-how it invites people in, creates pride, and brings communities together. Public art has been shown to increase ridership, reduce vandalism, and inspire residents and tourists alike."

"Due to a change in federal law in 2015, transit systems like the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) are no longer able to use Federal Transit Administration (FTA) funds to integrate art into stations and park-and-ride lots," Rep. Adams continued. "The STAR Act would restore this power to local transit authorities to include public art in their infrastructure investments and build more vibrant transit options that are unique to each community."

"Public art is not just something beautiful to look at, it reflects our shared cultural and societal values. In Honolulu, the unique artwork at each station along the rail line encourages ridership, deters vandalism, and promotes the community's history," said Senator Hirono. "The STAR Act would better enable local transit authorities to incorporate art into public transit facilities, enhancing riders' experiences while inspiring a sense of safety, place, and identity in communities across the country."

For decades, municipalities across America employed artists to design various transit projects using FTA funding. These costs comprised 1-2 percent of a project's budget and could be used to support the employment of an artist on a design team if artistic elements were integrated into the design or facility.

However, since the passage of the Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act in 2015, federal law prohibited the use of FTA funds to be used for the integration of art into transit projects. The law also placed limits on local funds from being used alongside FTA dollars, severely limiting transit agencies' ability to incorporate art in projects even with their own money.

"Transit systems are some of the most visible and widely shared public spaces in our country." said Erin Harkey, CEO of Americans for the Arts. "The Saving Transit Art Resources Act recognizes that communities should have the freedom to design those spaces in ways that reflect who they are. By restoring local control over the integration of art, this bill reopens the door for creative partnerships, supports working artists, and ensures that our transit systems are not just functional, but welcoming, meaningful, and alive with culture."

You can view the full text of the STAR Act here.

This bill is endorsed by the Americans for the Arts and Smart Growth America.