Lawmakers Push For Federal Help With Transit Operating: Read the Letter
The House and Senate are racing to reach agreement on a $90 billion bill to keep the Iraq and Afghanistan wars funded, but the legislation also could mark a pivotal victory for transit.
Rep. Pete DeFazio (D-OR) (Photo: UPI)The Senate version of the war bill contains a provision that would allow transit agencies to use 10 percent of their money they get from the economic stimulus law to pay operating costs. If the House agrees to add that provision to the war bill, it would be a boon to cash-strapped localities that are facing steep cuts in service thanks to the economic downturn.
Rep. Pete DeFazio (D-OR), chairman of the House transportation committee's highways and transit panel, has enlisted 26 colleagues for a letter to congressional leaders urging that the Senate's transit provision be kept in the final version of the war legislation.
CQ reported on the letter on Friday, but we have a complete copy for your downloading pleasure right here. Has your local member of Congress signed on?
Stay in touch
Sign up for our free newsletter
More from Streetsblog USA
Distracted Off-Duty Cop Jumped Curb and Killed Chicago Woman On Sidewalk
It's infuriating that a person who was entrusted to help keep the public safe was reckless enough to take her eyes off the road while driving to pick up a phone, with tragic consequences.
Friday’s Headlines Include Transit
An International Association of Public Transport study found that many countries are neglecting transit in their plans to combat climate change.
Calif. Using“Auxiliary Lane” Freeway Widening Loophole for Non-Aux Lane Projects
Beyond just using harmful loopholes legally, Metro and Caltrans deceptively bypass environmental regulations in order to keep on widening freeways.
Talking Headways Podcast: Sausage Making and the ADA
"It is fundamentally inappropriate to keep charging disabled people twice as much," our guest Ron Brooks says.
The Real Reason Assaults Against Transit Workers Are On The Rise
Hint: it's not just because service has been slashed.
