President Obama March 18 signed into law legislation extending federal surface transportation programs through December 31, 2010. The Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment (HIRE) Act, HR 2847, whose centerpiece includes tax relief for businesses hiring new employees, also transfers $19.5 billion from the general fund to the Federal Highway Trust Fund to maintain its solvency through 2011. The Act repeals a rescission of unobligated highway program contract authority that was part of SAFETEA-LU and includes an expansion of the Build America Bonds program for state and local infrastructure.


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President Obama March 18 signed into law legislation extending federal surface transportation programs through December 31, 2010. The Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment (HIRE) Act, HR 2847, whose centerpiece includes tax relief for businesses hiring new employees, also transfers $19.5 billion from the general fund to the Federal Highway Trust Fund to maintain its solvency through 2011. The Act repeals a rescission of unobligated highway program contract authority that was part of SAFETEA-LU and includes an expansion of the Build America Bonds program for state and local infrastructure.

The transportation extension is needed to allow Congress more time to complete work on a new authorization to succeed SAFETEA-LU, which expired on September 30, 2009.

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The Senate March 17th gave final approval to a House-passed jobs bill that includes an extension of federal surface transportation programs through December 31, 2010. The President is expected to sign the legislation into law. The vote was 68-29.


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The Senate March 17th gave final approval to a House-passed jobs bill that includes an extension of federal surface transportation programs through December 31, 2010. The President is expected to sign the legislation into law. The vote was 68-29.

The Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment (HIRE) Act, HR 2847, includes tax relief for businesses hiring new employees. It also transfers $19.5 billion from the general fund to the Federal Highway Trust Fund, projected to become insolvent in a few months, to repay interest foregone since 1998. Prior to that year, the Trust Fund earned interest on its balance. The legislation also repeals the rescission of unobligated highway program contract authority that was part of SAFETEA-LU and includes an expansion of the Build America Bonds program for state and local infrastructure.

The transportation extension is needed to allow Congress more time to complete work on a new authorization to succeed SAFETEA-LU, which expired on September 30, 2009. The latest extension ends March 28.

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The House of Representatives March 4 approved a modified version of a Senate-passed jobs bill that includes an extension of federal surface transportation programs through December 31, 2010. The House approved the Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment (HIRE) Act, HR 2847, 217-201 after amending it to offset its cost. The vote sends the bill back to the Senate.



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The House of Representatives March 4 approved a modified version of a Senate-passed jobs bill that includes an extension of federal surface transportation programs through December 31, 2010. The House approved the Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment (HIRE) Act, HR 2847, 217-201 after amending it to offset its cost. The vote sends the bill back to the Senate.

The legislation includes tax relief for businesses hiring new employees. For transportation programs, the bill transfers $19.5 billion from the general fund to the Federal Highway Trust Fund, projected to become insolvent in a few months, to repay interest foregone since 1998. Prior to that year, the Trust Fund earned interest on its balance. The legislation also repeals the rescission of unobligated highway program contract authority that was part of SAFETEA-LU and includes an expansion of the Build America Bonds program for state and local infrastructure.

The transportation extension is needed to allow Congress more time to complete work on a new authorization to succeed SAFETEA-LU, which expired on September 30, 2009. The latest extension ends March 28.


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The Senate March 2 approved legislation extending SAFETEA-LU through March 28, ending a two-day shutdown of transportation programs supported by the federal highway trust fund and the furlough of 2,000 US Department of Transportation employees. The bill was quickly signed into law.


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The Senate March 2 approved legislation extending SAFETEA-LU through March 28, ending a two-day shutdown of transportation programs supported by the federal highway trust fund and the furlough of 2,000 US Department of Transportation employees. The bill was quickly signed into law.

The legislation, HR 4691, first approved in the House of Representatives, stalled in the Senate February 25 when Kentucky Senator Jim Bunning blocked its consideration, insisting that its $10 billion cost be offset. The legislation included temporary extensions for unemployment and healthcare benefits, medicare and the federal flood insurance program.

The last extension of SAFETEA-LU expired February 28. The latest 30-day extension was approved to allow the House of Representatives time to address various objections to the Senate-passed jobs bill, the $15 billion Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment (HIRE) Act, HR 2847, which includes an extension of SAFETEA-LU through December 31, 2010. The House may consider the HIRE Act as early as March 4.


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The Senate February 24 approved an extension of federal surface transportation programs with passage of the Senate Jobs bill, 70-28, after the legislation survived a budget point of order.


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The Senate February 24 approved an extension of federal surface transportation programs with passage of the Senate Jobs bill, 70-28, after the legislation survived a budget point of order.

The Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment (HIRE) Act extends transportation program funding through December 31, 2010. It transfers $19.5 billion from the general fund to the Federal Highway Trust Fund, projected to become insolvent in a few months, to repay interest foregone since 1998. Prior to that year, the Trust Fund earned interest on its balance. The legislation also repeals the rescission of unobligated highway program contract authority that was part of SAFETEA-LU and includes an expansion of the Build America Bonds program for state and local infrastructure.

The transportation funding extension is needed to prevent a lapse of federal funding to state and local governments and to allow Congress more time to complete work on a new authorization to succeed SAFETEA-LU.
SAFETEA-LU expired September 2009 and the latest temporary extension expires on February 28. The House approved an extension through September 30 in its jobs bill, the Jobs for Main Street Act, passed in December.

The bill now heads to the House of Representatives. The HIRE Act is one of several anticipated Senate jobs bills designed to address the nation's unemployment.


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The Senate February 22 cleared a procedural hurdle and agreed to limit debate on legislation that includes an extension of federal surface transportation funding through December 31, 2010. The Senate voted 62-30 to invoke cloture on the Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment
(HIRE) Act, HR 2847, a pared-down Senate jobs bill that includes several transportation provisions. The vote clears the way for final passage this week.


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The Senate February 22 cleared a procedural hurdle and agreed to limit debate on legislation that includes an extension of federal surface transportation funding through December 31, 2010. The Senate voted 62-30 to invoke cloture on the Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment
(HIRE) Act, HR 2847, a pared-down Senate jobs bill that includes several transportation provisions. The vote clears the way for final passage this week.

The legislation transfers $19.5 billion from the general fund to the Federal Highway Trust Fund, projected to become insolvent in a few months, to repay interest foregone since 1998. Prior to that year, the Trust Fund earned interest on its balance. The legislation also repeals the rescission of unobligated highway program contract authority that was part of SAFETEA-LU.

The bill includes provisions allowing tax credit bonds to be converted to Build America Bonds. Build America Bonds provide qualifying issuers a direct payment from the Treasury for a portion of the interest paid on the bond for government works projects. The provision would allow qualifying issuers of tax credit bonds the option of issuing tax credit bonds under current law, or utilizing the direct subsidy Build America Bond structure for bonds issued after the date of enactment. The federal subsidy would equal 45 percent of the borrowing cost (65percent for qualifying small issuers).

The transportation funding extension is needed to prevent a lapse of federal funding to state and local governments and to allow Congress more time to complete work on a new authorization to succeed SAFETEA-LU.  SAFETEA-LU expired September 2009 and the latest temporary extension expires on February 28. The House approved an extension through September 30 in its jobs bill, the Jobs for Main Street Act, passed in December. The House and Senate will need to agree on a final extension date.

The HIRE Act is one of several anticipated Senate jobs bills designed to address the nation's unemployment.


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The US Department of Transportation announced February 17 the award of $1.5 billion in grants for 51 transportation projects under the TIGER (Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery) Discretionary Grant Program, authorized under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.


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The US Department of Transportation announced February 17 the award of $1.5 billion in grants for 51 transportation projects under the TIGER (Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery) Discretionary Grant Program, authorized under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

The TIGER Program was included in the Recovery Act to spur a national competition for innovative, multi-modal and multi-jurisdictional transportation projects that promise significant economic and environmental benefits to an entire metropolitan area, a region or the nation. Projects funded with the $1.5 billion allocated include improvements to roads, bridges, rail, ports, transit and intermodal facilities.

USDOT received proposals for more than 1400 projects totaling nearly $60 billion. A list of recipients is available at: http://www.dot.gov/documents/finaltigergrantinfo.pdf.

 

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The Obama Administration released a $3.8 trillion Fiscal Year (FY) 2011 budget proposal to Congress February 1. The plan includes $1.415 trillion in discretionary spending and projects an FY10 deficit of 1.56 trillion. It also includes policies to achieve $1.2 trillion deficit reduction over 10 years (excluding war savings), more than $300 billion in tax cuts over 10 years and $100 billion for immediate job-creating investments in infrastructure, clean energy and small business tax cuts.

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The Obama Administration released a $3.8 trillion Fiscal Year (FY) 2011 budget proposal to Congress February 1. The plan includes $1.415 trillion in discretionary spending and projects an FY10 deficit of 1.56 trillion. It also includes policies to achieve $1.2 trillion deficit reduction over 10 years (excluding war savings), more than $300 billion in tax cuts over 10 years and $100 billion for immediate job-creating investments in infrastructure, clean energy and small business tax cuts.

Discretionary spending is broken into two categories: security and non-security spending. Security spending would increase by 5.2 percent to $719.2 billion, while non-security spending would drop by $5 billion, or 1.1 percent to $441.3 billion.

Congress has begun hearings on the proposed budget. Following is an overview of the budget’s proposals for various public works and infrastructure programs.

Transportation

The proposed budget includes $79 billion for the US Department of Transportation (DOT) and its programs, about a $2 billion increase over the current year.

• Recommends extending the current SAFETEA-LU authorization through March 2011. SAFETEA-LU, the federal surface transportation law, expired September 30, 2009. The budget states that during this extension period the Administration will work with Congress to reform surface transportation programs and put the system on a viable financing path. A temporary extension expires February 28.
• Proposes $4 billion to create an infrastructure bank. The National Infrastructure Innovation and Finance Fund would invest in projects of regional or national significance. Established as a new operational unit within DOT, the fund would provide resources for projects through, grants, loans or a blend of both and will leverage non-federal resources, including private capital.
• Proposes establishing a new $30 million Transit Safety Program. The Administration late last year proposed legislation to establish nationwide safety standards and for federal enforcement of those standards.
• Proposes $527 million for livable communities. As part of the Partnership for Sustainable Communities’ multi-agency initiative with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the funding will assist state and local governments to invest in transportation that helps advance sustainable development.
• Proposes $1 billion to sustain large-scale multi-year support for high-speed rail. The economic recovery act provided $8 billion for high speed rail.
• Proposes small increases for highway and transit funding. Highway funding would increase by about $200 million from $41.1 billion in FY10 to $41.3 billion in FY11. The funding includes $200 million for a competitive Livable Communities grant program. Transit funding would increase by about $70 million, from $10.73 billion in FY10 to $10.8 billion in FY11.
• Proposes $20 million to establish an Office of Livable Communities in the Office of the Secretary. The office would coordinate multimodal and interagency (HUD and EPA) livability efforts and lead DOT’s investment decisions that focus on livable communities.
• Proposes $1.14 billion, more than a 30 percent increase from 2010, for the Next Generation Air Transportation System, the Federal Aviation Administration’s long-term effort to improve safety, efficiency and capacity of the aviation system.

Environment

Environmental Protection Agency
The President proposed a budget of $10 billion for the Environmental Protection Agency, a three percent cut from FY 2010 enacted levels. The proposal trims the agency’s operating budget, water infrastructure loan programs and Superfund programs.

• Proposes $1.3 billion for the Superfund program to clean up contaminated sites.
• Proposes $215 million for the Brownfields program to clean up abandoned commercial and industrial sites.
• Proposes $27 million for the Healthy Communities initiative to address community water priorities, promote clean, green and healthy schools; improve air toxics monitoring in at risk communities and encourage sustainability by helping to ensure that policies and spending at the national level do not adversely affect the environment and public health or disproportionally harm disadvantaged communities.
• Proposes $43 million for efforts to address climate change and work toward a clean energy future, including implementing the greenhouse gas reporting rule; provide technical assistance to ensure that any permitting under the Clean Air Act will be manageable; perform regulatory work for the largest stationary sources of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions; develop standards for mobile sources such as cars and trucks and continue research of carbon capture and sequestration technologies.
• Proposes $3.3 billion for water and wastewater infrastructure programs, down from $3.5 billion in FY 2010.
• Proposes $1.3 billion or a 14 percent increase in State Tribal Assistance Grants for clean air and water grants to states and tribes.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
The President’s budget proposal recommends a 10 percent cut to the Army Corps of Engineers’ budget for FY 2011. The Army Corps would receive $4.9 billion, down $5.4 billion from FY 2010.

• Proposes $2.4 billion for operating and maintaining existing projects.
• Proposes $15 million to expand a national database of federal levees.
• Proposes $10 million for a program to assess the effects of climate change on civil works projects.
• Proposes $1.7 billion for the construction budget.
• Proposes $30 million in funding for flood control and coastal emergencies.
• Proposes $193 million for agency regulatory program.

Homeland Security

The proposed budget includes $56.34 billion for the US Department of Homeland Security and its programs, which is a $1.13 billion or 2.68 percent increase.

• Proposes $2.36 billion for the National Protection and Programs Directorate, an increase of $402.7 million. The National Protection and Programs Directorate leads the protection and risk reduction for the Nation’s physical and virtual critical infrastructure and key resources from man-caused disasters, natural disasters and other catastrophic incidents.
• Proposes $10.5 billion, an increase of $48.7 million, for the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
• Proposes $1.95 billion for the Disaster Relief Fund, an increase of $0.35 billion. The Disaster Relief Fund provides a portion of the total federal response to victims in declared major disasters and emergencies.
• Proposes $4 billion for State and Local Programs, an increase of $985.3 million compared to FY 2010. These grants provide training, exercises and technical assistance to improve emergency planning, response and recovery efforts. Specific state and local grant programs received the following allocations:
o State Homeland Security Grants – $1.05 billion, an increase of $100 million.
o Regional Catastrophic Planning Grants – $35 million, an increase of $1 million.
o Emergency Management Performance Grants - $345 million, an increase of $5 million.
o Urban Area Security Initiative – $1.1 billion, an increase of $248 million.
o Transportation and Infrastructure Protection Grants – $600 million, an increase of $12 million.
o Citizen Corps, Interoperable Emergency Communications and Emergency Operations Centers did not receive and funding for FY 2011.

• Proposes $100 million for Pre-Disaster Mitigation Grants, a decrease of $135 million. Pre-Disaster Mitigation Grants provide program support and technical assistance to state, local and tribal governments to reduce the risks associated with disasters, support the national grant competition, and provide the required $500,000 per state allocation. Funds will support the development and enhancement of hazard mitigation plans and the implementation of pre-disaster mitigation projects.
• Proposes $169 million for the National Flood Insurance Fund, an increase of $23 million. The National Flood Insurance Fund provides necessary resources to operate the National Flood Insurance Program.
• Proposes $194 million for Flood Map Modernization, a decrease of $26 million. Flood Map Modernization funding will support the review and update of flood hazard data and maps to accurately reflect flood hazards and monitor the validity of published flood hazard information. This funding will support the review and update of flood hazard data and maps.







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The US House of Representatives December 16 narrowly approved a $154 billion jobs bill that includes $48.3 billion in federal funding for infrastructure. The Jobs for Main Street Act of 2010 (HR 2847), passed by a vote of 217-212, also includes $26.7 billion to preserve state and local public service jobs and $79 billion for unemployment insurance, small business loans, health care assistance and other aid. The legislation uses $75 billion in Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) savings to pay for the infrastructure and job preservation investments. The Senate will consider jobs legislation in January.




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The US House of Representatives December 16 narrowly approved a $154 billion jobs bill that includes $48.3 billion in federal funding for infrastructure. The Jobs for Main Street Act of 2010 (HR 2847), passed by a vote of 217-212, also includes $26.7 billion to preserve state and local public service jobs and $79 billion for unemployment insurance, small business loans, health care assistance and other aid. The legislation uses $75 billion in Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) savings to pay for the infrastructure and job preservation investments. The Senate will consider jobs legislation in January.

The House jobs bill also extends the expired surface transportation law, SAFETEA-LU, until September 30, 2010. The extension provides a 100 percent federal share for transportation programs, repeals the prohibition on the Highway Trust Fund from collecting interest on its balance and restores $20 billion to Trust Fund. SAFETEA-LU expired September 30, 2009 and is currently funded through December 18 by a temporary extension.

Separate legislation approved by the House yesterday, the Defense Appropriations bill, extends SAFETEA-LU through February 28, 2010. The Senate is expected to consider the bill December 19th.

Following is a breakdown of infrastructure funding included in the House jobs bill.

$27.5 billion      Highways
$8.4 billion        Transit
$800 million     Amtrak
$500 million     Airports
$100 million     Shipyard modernization
$2 billion           Clean Water 
$100 million     Bureau of Reclamation 
$715 million     Corps of Engineers 
$2 billion           Energy Innovation Loans 
$4.1 billion       School Renovation
$1 billion           Housing Trust Fund
$1 billion           Public Housing Capital Fund

A summary and text of the legislation are posted at http://www.apwa.net/Advocacy/legislation.asp under Appropriations.

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The US Department of Transportation today released December 16 a comprehensive update to the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). The MUTCD’s 2009 edition features many new and updated requirements, ranging from changes in highway signs and bike lanes to the color of high-visibility garments worn by road workers. For an overview of the new rules and recommendations, visit http://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov.

 

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The US Department of Transportation released December 16 a comprehensive update to the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). The MUTCD’s 2009 edition features many new and updated requirements, ranging from changes in highway signs and bike lanes to the color of high-visibility garments worn by road workers. For an overview of the new rules and recommendations, visit http://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov.

The MUTCD is the national standard for all traffic control devices, including traffic signs, pavement markings, signals and any other devices used to regulate, warn or guide traffic. It has been administered by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) since 1971. This is the first comprehensive update to the manual since 2003.

Among new provisions in the MUTCD:

• Replacing highway signs with brighter, larger and more legible ones that are easier to understand at freeway speeds. States will begin using the newer signs as existing ones wear out.

• Adding different lane markings for lanes that do not continue beyond an intersection or interchange to give drivers more warning that they need to move out of the lane if they don’t intend to turn.

• Expanding the use of flashing yellow arrow signals at some intersections to give a clearer indication that drivers can turn left after yielding to any opposing traffic.

• Changing the formula used to calculate crosswalk times to give walkers more time.

• Identifying electronic toll collection lanes with purple signs – the first time purple has been sanctioned for use on highway signs.

• Adding overhead lane-use control signs to reduce confusion among drivers in unfamiliar multi-lane roadways.

By requiring better pavement markings which can increase bike lane safety, and extending walk times for pedestrians at crosswalks, the updated MUTCD furthers the “complete streets” concept – an effort long championed by FHWA to ensure roads accommodate all types of travel, not just automobiles.

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URGENT LEGISLATIVE ALERT
Contact your Congressional Representatives today and urge them to ensure that jobs-creation legislation provides robust, direct investment for local infrastructure.

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REASON
Congressional leaders are drafting multi-billion dollar legislation aimed at creating jobs. Members of Congress need to hear from APWA members that a jobs bill must provide significant, direct investment in local infrastructure as a way to create and sustain jobs and local economies. Investment in public infrastructure projects has a proven success rate for boosting the economy and spurring job creation. Every $1 billion invested in transportation for example, generates tens of thousands of good paying jobs. A jobs-creation package that includes a robust infrastructure investment component will produce timely and effective results. It will also repair and improve our deteriorating infrastructure and thereby improve safety, efficiency and maintain our economic competitiveness.

HOW TO SEND YOUR MESSAGE
APWA’s Legislative Action Center is a simple, effective way to deliver your message to your member of Congress by the click of the mouse. A draft letter titled “Urge Robust Infrastructure Investment in Jobs-Creation Legislation” has been posted http://capwiz.com/apwa/home/.We encourage you to personalize your letter; Congress receives an overwhelming volume of communication. Personalizing your letter will mean your message will be read.

BACKGROUND
With the national unemployment rate at its highest in a generation, Congressional leaders and President Obama have made passage of a jobs bill a priority. Leaders in both the House and Senate are currently drafting proposals expected to include investments in infrastructure, tax incentives and other forms of aid. Although legislation has not yet been introduced, action could be taken by the House before Congress breaks for the holidays in a couple weeks.

If you have questions or need assistance, contact Maggie Oldham at moldham@apwa.net

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House and Senate Leaders are developing a jobs creation bill aimed at reducing the nation’s 10 percent unemployment rate. Congressional leaders are looking closely at infrastructure investment, a highways funding bill and another extension of unemployment insurance as part of broad package of spending and investment to boost job creation.
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House and Senate Leaders are developing a jobs creation bill aimed at reducing the nation’s 10 percent unemployment rate. Congressional leaders are looking closely at infrastructure investment, a highways funding bill and another extension of unemployment insurance as part of broad package of spending and investment to boost job creation.

Rep. James L. Oberstar (D-MN), Chairman of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, pitched Democratic leadership on the idea of using $100 billion in general fund money to pay for highway and transit projects over the next two years. The plan would quickly infuse funds into Public Works projects to stimulate the economy and would give Congress time to debate revenue changes that are needed to pay for a six-year Surface Transportation Authorization bill, currently stalled in the House and Senate.

Meanwhile, the Administration held a Jobs Summit on December 3. The forum was an opportunity for the president and his economic team to hear from chief executive officers, small business owners, labor leaders and financial experts about ideas for growing the economy and putting Americans back to work.

A timeline for the jobs creation package is still unclear, although Congressional leaders say they intend to have a complete package considered in January. The House may consider some elements before the end of the year. The overall size of the package and how it will be financed has yet to be determined.

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Congress cleared legislation October 29 extending SAFETEA-LU for seven weeks until December 18, when Congress is expected to recess until after the New Year. The current one-month extension, approved at the end of September, expires October 31. The President is expected to sign the bill.


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Congress cleared legislation October 29 extending SAFETEA-LU for seven weeks until December 18, when Congress is expected to recess until after the New Year. The current one-month extension, approved at the end of September, expires October 31. The President is expected to sign the bill.

Efforts in the Senate to approve a six-month extension stalled earlier this week over procedural objections. The House of Representatives approved a three month extension in September. The Senate will attempt to obtain floor time the week of November 2 to consider again a stand-alone six-month extension. The Administration, however, supports a delay of 18 months to allow more time to develop comprehensive authorization legislation.

There is no major authorization proposal currently in the Senate. A $500 billion, six-year draft proposal has been presented in the House, but is held up due to lack of provisions on how to pay for its funding levels. Drafting those provisions is in the jurisdiction of the House Ways and Means Committee, which is yet to reach consensus on revenue mechanisms.

The latest extension was included as part of a Continuing Resolution needed to maintain funding for those federal programs without an approved FY2010 Appropriations. Congress has completed four of the 12 appropriations bills.

SAFETEA-LU expired September 30. APWA is urging Congress and the Administration to take action to pass a multi-year surface transportation authorization that significantly increases investment for state and local programs.

For more information about APWA’s priorities for surface transportation authorization, visit http://reinvestintransportation.apwa.net.

 

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***** Action Requested: Contact your Congressional Representatives today and urge them to act immediately to repeal an $8.7 billion rescission in highway contract authority which is scheduled to take effect on September 30, 2009.
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***** Action Requested: Contact your Congressional Representatives today and urge them to act immediately to repeal an $8.7 billion rescission in highway contract authority which is scheduled to take effect on September 30, 2009.

REASON
An $8.7 billion rescission will result in substantial program cuts that will have a devastating impact on state and local transportation programs. The loss of these funds will undermine the progress state and local governments have achieved creating jobs and repairing our nation’s deteriorating transportation system.

HOW TO SEND YOUR MESSAGE
APWA Legislative Action Center is a simple, effective way to deliver your message to your member of Congress by the click of the mouse. A draft letter titled “Urge Congress to Repeal $8.7 Billion Rescission of Highway Funding” has been posted at http://capwiz.com/apwa/home/. We encourage you to personalize your message; Congress receives an overwhelming volume of communication. Personalizing your message will mean it will be read.

BACKGROUND
Section 10212 of SAFETEA-LU, the federal surface transportation law, includes a provision requiring states to return $8.7 billion in unobligated federal highway funds on September 30 unless Congress takes action to repeal it. The provision was added for budgetary purposes in 2005. If it is not repealed, state and local governments will see cuts to their transportation programs at a time of unprecedented budget constraints. Both the Senate and the House need to know the impact.

If you have questions or need assistance, contact Maggie Oldham at moldham@apwa.net.


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House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman James Oberstar (D-MN) June 18th released a blueprint outlining a proposal for a six-year, $500 billion federal surface transportation authorization to succeed the $286.4 billion SAFETEA-LU, which expires the end of September.


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House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman James Oberstar (D-MN) today released a blueprint outlining his proposal for a six-year, $500 billion federal surface transportation authorization to succeed the $286.4 billion SAFETEA-LU, which expires the end of September.

The Surface Transportation Authorization Act of 2009’s Blueprint for Investment and Reform describes how SAFETEA-LU’s successor will “transform federal surface transportation from an amalgamation of prescriptive programs to a performance-based framework for intermodal transportation development.”

It is designed to achieve the following objectives: reduce fatalities and injuries; reduce congestion; provide transportation choices; limit adverse effects of transportation on the environment; and promote public health and livability in communities.

Highlights of the bill include:

• Provides $450 billion for highways and transit, including $337.4 billion for highway programs and $99.8 billion for public transportation programs;
• Within the $450 billion investment, the Act provides $50 billion for Metropolitan Mobility and Access to unlock metropolitan congestion and $25 billion for Projects of National Significance to enhance U.S. global competitiveness by increasing the focus on goods movement and freight mobility;
• In addition to the $450 billion investment, the Act provides $50 billion over six years to develop 11 authorized high-speed rail corridors linking major metropolitan regions in the United States.
• Doubles the investment in highway and motor carrier safety to $12.6 billion;
• Redefines the Federal role and restructures Federal surface transportation by consolidating or terminating more than 75 programs;
• Consolidates the majority of highway funding in four, core formula categories designed to bring highway and bridge systems to a state of good repair; improve highway safety; develop new and improved capacity; and reduce congestion and greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality;
• Focuses the majority of transit funding in four core categories to bring urban and rural public transit systems to a state of good repair; provide specific funding to restore transit rail systems; provide mobility and access to transit-dependent individuals; and plan, design, and construct new transit lines and intermodal facilities;
• Directs Federal highway safety investments to specific activities demonstrated to reduce fatalities and injuries on roads;
• Establishes new initiatives to address the crippling congestion in major metropolitan regions, and eliminate bottlenecks in freight transportation;
• Creates a National Transportation Strategic Plan, based on long-range highway, transit, and rail plans developed by States and metropolitan regions, to develop intermodal connectivity of the nation’s transportation system and identify projects of national significance;
• Reforms the U.S. Department of Transportation to require intermodal planning and decision-making; ensure that projects are planned and completed in a timely manner; and ensure that DOT programs advance the livability of communities;
• Requires States and local governments to establish transportation plans with specific performance standards; measure their progress annually in meeting these standards; and periodically adjust their plans as necessary to achieve specific objectives;
• Improves the project delivery process by eliminating duplication in documentation and procedures;
• Establishes a new program to finance planning, design, and construction of high-speed rail;
• Creates a National Infrastructure Bank to better leverage limited transportation dollars.

The bill is expected to be introduced next week and considered by the House Highways and Transit Subcommittee. The bill will not include financing provisions that will determine how to pay for the investment. These will be drafted by the House Ways and Means Committee and added later. Oberstar has an ambitious timeline for the bill, with a goal of having it to the House floor before the start of the month-long August recess. House leadership has questioned this due to a crowded legislative calendar.

Yesterday, US Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced that the Obama Administration would seek an 18-month authorization extension which would include a fix for the Federal Highway Trust Fund, forecast to require an infusion of $5 billion to $7 billion to meet its commitments this fiscal year. Oberstar and House T&I Committee Ranking Member John Mica (R-FL) oppose the extension. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee Chair Barbara Boxer endorsed the proposal.

APWA's SAFETEA-LU Reauthorization Task Force, Transportation and Government Affairs Committees are reviewing the Oberstar blueprint, which is posted on APWA's surface transportation authorization site, http://reinvestintransportation.apwa.net

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House Transportation and Infrastructure (T&I) Committee Chairman James Oberstar (D-MN) will release a white paper on plans for the next federal surface transportation authorization tJune 17th at a news conference in Washington, DC.


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House Transportation and Infrastructure (T&I) Committee Chairman James Oberstar (D-MN) will release a white paper on plans for the next federal surface transportation authorization tomorrow morning at a news conference in Washington, DC.

The 100-page blueprint will outline the bill’s policies and principles and is not expected to include funding levels or financing provisions, which will be drafted by the House Ways and Means Committee. Oberstar says he supports an authorization totaling between $400 billion and $450 billion.

A bill is expected to be introduced next week and considered without financing provisions by the T&I Committee’s Highways and Transit Subcommittee. From there, the bill is expected to be considered by the T&I Committee after the July 4th recess, which ends July 6th, and brought to the House floor before the start of the month-long August recess. The Ways and Means Committee intends to hold hearings on financing issues in the coming weeks.

The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, the lead Committee in the Senate, is working on its bill. Three other Senate Committees have jurisdiction: Finance Committee; Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee; and Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee. The Senate is expected to proceed after the House. The Administration has been working on its principles but has not released them. The current authorization, the $286.4 billion SAFETEA-LU, expires September 30.

Information about APWA’s federal surface transportation authorization priorities is posted at http://reinvestintransportation.apwa.net/

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The U.S. Department of Transportation has announced the availability of $1.5 billion in TIGER (Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery) Discretionary Grants for capital investment in surface transportation projects. The program was created by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) signed into law in February. Grants will be awarded on a competitive basis to projects that have a significant impact on the nation, a region or metropolitan area and can create jobs and benefit economically distressed areas.

 

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The U.S. Department of Transportation has announced the availability of $1.5 billion in TIGER (Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery) Discretionary Grants for capital investment in surface transportation projects. The program was created by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) signed into law in February. Grants will be awarded on a competitive basis to projects that have a significant impact on the nation, a region or metropolitan area and can create jobs and benefit economically distressed areas.

Applications for TIGER discretionary grants must be submitted to US Department of Transportation (USDOT) by September 15, 2009 from state and local governments, including U.S. territories, tribal governments, transit agencies, port authorities and others. Comments on the criteria must be received by June 1, 2009.

The grants can range from $20 million up to $300 million to support high impact transportation projects. USDOT can waive the minimum grant requirement for beneficial projects in smaller cities, regions or states. The department will require rigorous economic justifications for projects over $100 million, and to ensure responsible spending, the department will require all fund recipients to report on their activities on a routine basis.

The solicitation published in the May 18th Federal Register provides clear criteria for the department to make merit-based decisions on the new discretionary program. Primary selection criteria include contributing to the medium- to long-term economic competitiveness of the nation, improving the condition of existing transportation facilities and systems, improving the quality of living and working environments through livable communities, improving energy efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving the safety of U.S. transportation facilities.

The Department will also give priority to projects that are expected to quickly create and preserve jobs and stimulate rapid increases in economic activity, especially projects that will benefit economically distressed areas.

To view the Federal Register, please visit http://www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs/fedreg/a090518c.html. Look under Transportation Department, Notices: funding Availability; Request for Comments on Grant Criteria; Supplemental Discretionary Grants for Capital Investments in Surface Transportation Infrastructure.

Additional information is also posted on APWA’s economic recovery blog: http://apwarecoveryupdates.blogspot.com/.

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On February 17, President Barack Obama signed into law the $789 billion American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
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On February 17, President Barack Obama signed into law the $789 billion American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. On February 13, after a relatively short Conference Committee, both the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate cleared the bill for the President’s signature. The bill provides investments in infrastructure, health, education and energy, as well as more than $280 billion in tax cuts. The legislation also contains no earmarks and establishes oversight and accountability mechanisms. The following is an overview of several key funding highlights included in the bill:

Transportation

Transportation $1.5 billion for an intermodal discretionary grant program
Highways $27.5 billion
Transit $8.4 billion
Rail $9.3 billion (including $1.3 billion for Amtrak)
Airports $1.1 billion for the Airport Improvement Program

Environment and Water

$4 billion Clean Water State Revolving Fund
$2 billion Safe Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Fund
$4.6 US Army Corps of Engineers Water Resources Projects
$1 billion US Bureau of Reclamation Rural Water Projects
$1.38 billion Rural Water & Waste Disposal Program
$6 billion for Superfund
$1 billion for Brownfields
$3.2 billion for Energy Efficiency & Conservation Block Grant Program
$3 billion for Diesel Emission Reduction Act Grants

For more information, please visit APWA’s American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009: Information and Resources page. To view go to: http://www.apwa.net/Advocacy/resources.asp

Another resource is www.recovery.gov , which features information on how the Act is working, accountability and up-to-date data on the expenditure of funds.




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On Tuesday, February 10, the United States Senate passed an $838 billion economic recovery bill (H.R.1), The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, by a 61-37 vote.
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On Tuesday, February 10, the United States Senate passed an $838 billion economic recovery bill (H.R.1), The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, by a 61-37 vote. The Senate approved the legislation after adopting a crucial compromise amendment crafted by the only Republicans to vote in favor of the stimulus bill, Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), Olympia Snowe (R-ME) and Arlen Specter (R-PA). The amendment slashed $108 billion from the legislation which had at one point ballooned to over $900 billion.

Funding levels for transportation, infrastructure and water resources remained largely unchanged in the reworked legislation. The House passed its own $819 billion version on January 28, by a 244-188 vote. The following are funding highlights for key infrastructure programs in both bills:

HOUSE
• $30 billion for highways
• $12 billion for transit
• $6 billion for Clean Water State Revolving Fund
• $2 billion for Drinking Water State Revolving Fund

SENATE
• $27 billion for highways
• $8.4 billion for transit
• $4 billion for Clean Water State Revolving Fund
• $2 billion for Drinking Water State Revolving Fund

The next step in the process will be for House and Senate negotiators to meet and reconcile the differences between the two bills. At press time it was still unclear whether a formal conference committee would take place.

With a self-imposed deadline of February 16, for sending a final bill to be signed by the President, House and Senate negotiators have a lot of work ahead of them to reach an agreement. The negotiation process must ensure that any changes maintain the support of at least 60 Senate votes for final approval before the bill can be cleared for the President’s signature.

APWA will continue to monitor this legislation. For more information and updates you can visit: http://www.apwa.net/Advocacy/resources.asp and look under “Economic Recovery Information.”




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On January 23, the Senate Committee on Appropriations and the Senate Committee on Finance released highlights of their version of an economic recovery package, S.1, The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Like the House bill, H.R. 1, the Senate legislation totals $825 billion.
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On January 23, the Senate Committee on Appropriations and the Senate Committee on Finance released highlights of their version of an economic recovery package, S.1, The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Like the House bill, H.R. 1, the Senate legislation totals $825 billion.

The Senate bill allocates a total of $140 billion for Infrastructure and Science. Highlights of the infrastructure component include $27 billion for highways; $1.3 billion for aviation; and $6 billion for both the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds. The House version of the bill allocates $90 billion in their infrastructure component. $30 billion is set aside for highways; $3 billion for aviation; $6 billion for the Clean Water State Revolving Fund; and $2 billion for the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund.

The Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, Max Baucus (D-MT) unveiled an original Chairman’s Mark -- the initial bill set out by the chairman for debate -- that included tax-cutting provisions for the recovery legislation. These provisions mirror the finance portion of its counterpart in the House. Baucus’ Mark includes $275 billion in tax cuts and investments. Together, the spending proposals (which include the infrastructure component) in the Senate Appropriations bill and the tax cuts in the Finance Committee measure, make up the Senate’s version of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

Senate Committees are expected to meet this week to debate and vote on their version of the economic recovery bill. The House is scheduled to vote on the bill Wednesday, January 28 and debate by the full Senate on the bill could be held as early as February 3. House and Senate negotiators would then meet to work out the differences in their respective bills.

APWA will continue to monitor this legislation. For updates and more information please visit APWA’s Advocacy page at: http://www.apwa.net/Advocacy/
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On January 15, House Democrats along with President-elect Barack Obama’s economic team, revealed their $825 billion two-year economic recovery plan.
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On January 15, House Democrats along with President-elect Barack Obama’s economic team, revealed their $825 billion two-year economic recovery plan. According to a press statement released by the House Committee on Appropriations, this package is the first step in an effort to create and save millions of jobs and jumpstart the economy. The proposed package contains $275 billion in economic recovery tax cuts and $550 billion in targeted investments. These efforts include infrastructure, clean energy, education and lowering healthcare costs to name a few. The plan calls for $90 billion in infrastructure investment, which would include:

Modernizing Roads, Bridges, Transit and Waterways
• $30 billion for highway construction;
• $31 billion to modernize federal and other public infrastructure with investments that lead to long term energy cost savings;
• $19 billion for clean water, flood control, and environmental restoration investments;
• $10 billion for transit and rail to reduce traffic congestion and gas consumption:
• $3 billion for airport improvement projects.

Committee markups of the bill are expected the week of January 19. Separate legislation is being prepared in the Senate. Congressional leaders aim to have a bill to President-Elect by mid February.

APWA has posted a Legislative Alert where you can write to your members of Congress and urge them to include infrastructure investment in the recovery plan. To view the alert, go to: http://capwiz.com/apwa/home/.

For more information and to view the complete Appropriations Committee summary go to: http://www.apwa.net/DR/index.asp?ID=721.

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On January 8, President-Elect Barack Obama presented his case for urgent action to address the nation’s economic crisis with a plan that could total $775 billion in government spending and tax cuts.


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On January 8, President-Elect Barack Obama presented his case for urgent action to address the nation’s economic crisis with a plan that could total $775 billion in government spending and tax cuts.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan would include investments in infrastructure as a major focal point. Repairing crumbling roads, bridges and other back-logged worthy infrastructure projects will help create jobs and strengthen the economy.

While Obama did not unveil the specifics of the plan, he said his staff and members of Congress were continuing to work out the final size of the proposal and its details. Congressional leaders have said they now expect the bill to be ready by mid-February. APWA will continue to monitor the progress of an economic recovery package. For updates and additional information, please visit http://www.apwa.net/Advocacy/

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APWA President Noel Thompson sent letters to Congressional Leadership and President-Elect Obama December 19, urging swift passage of an economic recovery package that focuses federal investment in local ready-to-go infrastructure projects. Although Congressional leaders have yet to set a funding level, they are considering levels in the range of $600 billion or more. The legislation is expected to be taken up as early as the week of January 5th when the 111th Congress convenes.
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APWA President Noel Thompson sent letters to Congressional Leadership and President-Elect Obama December 19, urging swift passage of an economic recovery package that focuses federal investment in local ready-to-go infrastructure projects. Although Congressional leaders have yet to set a funding level, they are considering levels in the range of $600 billion or more. The legislation is expected to be taken up as early as the week of January 5th when the 111th Congress convenes.

In the letters, President Thompson referred to APWA’s Ready-To-Go survey which identified more than 3,600 local projects, totaling more than $15 billion in value, which are ready to go within 90 days but lack funding to proceed. Funding these projects, just a sample of the total need, would generate over 500,000 jobs.

For more information and to view copies of the letters, go to: http://www.apwa.net/Advocacy/resources.asp
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A survey by the American Public Works Association identified more than 3,600 unfunded local public works infrastructure projects totaling more than $15 billion that are ready to go within 90 days to provide a stimulative effect on the economy if funded by a federal economic recovery package under consideration by Congress. Funding these projects, just a sample of the identified local need, would generate approximately 532,794 jobs.

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A survey by the American Public Works Association identified more than 3,600 unfunded local public works infrastructure projects totaling more than $15 billion that are ready to go within 90 days to provide a stimulative effect on the economy if funded by a federal economic recovery package under consideration by Congress. Funding these projects, just a sample of the identified local need, would generate approximately 532,794 jobs.

The survey of APWA members identified road widening, paving, traffic light and signal repair work, highway intersection improvements, storm drain pipe realignments, pumping station improvements, sewer line replacements, treatment plant upgrades, water valve replacement, pedestrian underpass safety improvements and basic sidewalk repair projects that are ready to proceed except for the lack of necessary funding.

APWA is calling on Congress and the Administration to approve an economic recovery package which includes a robust infrastructure investment component. APWA President Noel Thompson submitted testimony for hearings held in October and November by the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee and sent letters to the President and Congressional leadership. The testimony and letters make the case that funding ready-to-go infrastructure projects through a national economic recovery program will create jobs, stimulate economic recovery and lay the foundation for long-term economic growth.

To view APWA's Chart of Ready to go Local Projects, click here: http://www.apwa.net/documents/advocacy/Congressional%20Testimony/Unfunded%20PW%20Projects%20and%20Funds%20Needed%20by%20State.pdf

For more information please contact Jim Fahey at jfahey@apwa.net.

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On Friday, the House of Representatives approved a $60.7 billion economic stimulus package by a 264-158 vote. The legislation HR 7110, also known as The Job Creation and Unemployment Relief Act, includes approximately $36.9 billion for infrastructure funding.

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On Friday, the House of Representatives approved a $60.7 billion economic stimulus package by a 264-158 vote. The legislation HR 7110, also known as The Job Creation and Unemployment Relief Act, includes approximately $36.9 billion for infrastructure funding. Highlights of the infrastructure provisions include:

Transportation

• $12.8 billion for roads and bridges
• $3.6 billion for transit
• $6 million for an airport investments
• 500 million for AMTRAK

Water Infrastructure

• $6.5 billion for the EPA’s Clean Water State Revolving Fund
• $1 billion for the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund
• $300 million to the Bureau of Reclamation water projects
• $5 billion for the Army Corps of Engineers flood control, navigation and water infrastructure projects.



The Senate on Friday failed to approve its $56.2 billion economic stimulus package, introduced by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) and Appropriations Chairman Robert Byrd (D-WA). The Reid/Byrd Economic Recovery Act of 2008, which included $10.8 billion for infrastructure, failed to pass by a 52-42 vote. The economic package included funding for job creation, economic recovery and infrastructure financing. The Senate version of the bill included the following infrastructure provisions:

Transportation

• $8 billion for roads and bridges
• $2 billion for transit
• $4 million for an airport investments
• $350 million for AMTRAK

Water Infrastructure

• $600 million for the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Clean Water State Revolving Fund.
• $300 million for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Project Grants


The Bush Administration has expressed opposition to the packages and has threatened a veto. This threat coupled with a failure in the Senate, make chances of another stimulus this year very uncertain.

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On July 24, the House approved H.R. 3999, The National Highway Bridge Reconstruction and Inspection Act. The bill would authorize an additional $1 billion for bridge projects, above the $4.5 billion authorized annually under current law.
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On July 24, the House approved H.R. 3999, The National Highway Bridge Reconstruction and Inspection Act. The bill would authorize an additional $1 billion for bridge projects, above the $4.5 billion authorized annually under current law. Specifically, the money would be targeted towards 6,000 bridges identified on the National Highway System. The bill would also institute a risk-based system for prioritizing bridge replacement and repair, including state inspections every two years and more often for bridges identified as deficient.

The bill’s chances for becoming law are uncertain. A Senate companion measure has yet to be introduced, and with only a limited number of legislative days left in this election year, such a bill looks unlikely. Finally, the White House has objected to certain provisions, including the $1 billion authorization, which makes a veto threat a possibility. For updates and more information, please visit http://www.apwa.net/Advocacy/
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