Federal Lawmakers Weigh Options for Reauthorizing SAFETEA-LU
While state lawmkakers were in Austin last week focused on some important transportation-related measures to extend the life of TxDOT and allow them to issue $2 billion in voter-approved bonds, federal lawmakers in Washington have been trying to decide whether or not to spend the $450 billion it might take to reauthorize the federal transportation legislation SAFETEA-LU.
With the September expiration looming and the federal Highway Trust Fund running dry, the Obama administration's focus has been more centered on health care and energy policy rather than transportation, and has indicated they will push for an 18-month extension of SAFETEA-LU and delay any large scale reforms.
Delay of reauthorization will just postpone important questions that need debating: How can we more efficiently fund road construction? Are current funds being used efficiently? How much would we need to increase the gas tax if that is the preferred method of funding? How will the highway trust fund be affected by vehicle emissions standards?
Safety Lou's Future is Looking Uncertain Houston Chronicle MOVE IT! blog by Carolyn Feibel
Pay More, Drive Less, Save the Planet Wall Street Journal by Gabriel Roth
Posted by Lauren at July 7, 2009 3:57 PM 
Categories: Federal funding, Transportation Financing, SAFETEA-LU
Categories: Federal funding, Transportation Financing, SAFETEA-LU
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