Up in the Air

This article summarizes the current state of federal legislation concerning transportation. Currently, the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users, originally scheduled to expire in 2009, has been extended as part of the Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment Act through the end of 2010. Work on a multiyear authorization is continuing. Money has been the main obstacle to congressional action on surface transportation authorization. Due to a decline in driving during the recession and increased fuel efficiency, gas tax revenues have been lower than anticipated. This means that the trust fund, which is funded by gas taxes, is not adequate to pay for programs that would result from new legislation. Concurrently, the need for investment in transportation projects is growing. Although it appears that the gas tax needs to be increased or new funding sources identified, political will to take these steps has been lacking in an election year. Work on policy reforms for the new authorization, many of which will have implications for transportation planning, continues despite the uncertainty about funding.

Language

  • English

Media Info

  • Media Type: Print
  • Features: Illustrations; Photos;
  • Pagination: pp 15-17
  • Serial:

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 01163927
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Files: TRIS
  • Created Date: Jul 27 2010 7:30AM