Skip to Content
Streetsblog USA home
Log In
James Oberstar

Oberstar’s Call to “Rebuild America,” and Other Stimulus Notes

10:56 AM EST on January 12, 2009

Today on the Streetsblog Network, we're featuring a post from The Transport Politic that analyzes Rep. James Oberstar's recent speech on transportation in the stimulus bill to the House Democratic Steering and Policy Committee. Oberstar spoke on his own "Rebuild America" proposal:

160px_Oberstarj.jpgRep. James Oberstar, D-MN

Importantly, unlike Mr. Obama thus far, Mr. Oberstar is willing to discuss providing funding for projects that are not yet ready for construction, but which are almostthere. In other words, while much of the talk on the economic stimulus has revolved around getting projects started within 90 days, this bill will provide for projects that will begin construction in 90 days or 1 year. This is a significant factor in improving the climate for transit, because while many road projects literally could begin construction tomorrow (highway resurfacing is the most prominent example), there are far fewer transit projects that ready — but given a timeline extension of just a few months, they would be.… Such funding, for instance, could pay for renovation of dozens of New York City subway stations, in desperate need of repair, but which are not ready for construction in the 90-day timetable.

Other network members are dissecting the stimulus proposals emerging from their own communities. In New Jersey, WalkBikeJersey laments:

There are 151 projects on this list. Where are the bicycle projects? There are none. Pedestrian projects? About a half dozen. Most of the projects are legitimate rehabilitation and transit projects but some road widening projects are in there, including some mega intersection widening that makes bicycling and walking very difficult.

Over at the National Journal's Transportation "Expert Blog," they're asking,"Does Earmark-Free Mean Pork-Free? Or Worthwhile?" Transit Miami has this to say on the subject: "Let’s hope Obama can tell the difference between the lechon and the pork."

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog USA

Why Chicago Advocates Are Providing Bikes to Migrants

Unless funds are freed up from a larger entity, bike distribution to asylum seekers is going to stay in crisis mode indefinitely.

October 2, 2023

Monday’s Headlines Are Open for Business

Monday will be just another Monday for federal employees, as Congress avoided a government shutdown. Plus, declining gas tax revenue provides an opportunity to rethink transportation funding.

October 2, 2023

Why Connecticut is Investing in New Regional Rail

Gov. Ned Lamont will spend $315 million investment on new rail cars — but they're not going anywhere near Grand Central. Here's why.

October 2, 2023

NYers Share Their ‘End of Days’ Flooding Pics

It's bad out there. How bad? Here is a citywide roundup from our staff ... and our friends on social media.

September 29, 2023

To Help Save the Planet, Take the ‘Week Without Driving’ Challenge

Former Sierra Club President Ramón Cruz is urging Americans to give up driving for seven days — and support policies to make it optional for everyone.

September 29, 2023
See all posts