Skip to Content
Streetsblog USA home
Streetsblog USA home
Log In

At an event with Dick Durbin (IL), the Senate's No. 2 Democrat, Gov. Ed Rendell (D-PA) today threw a curveball into Washington's ongoing back-and-forth over economic recovery, suggesting a $150 billion "front-loaded" transportation stimulus for next year.

durbin2.jpgSenate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) (Photo: STLtoday)

Appearing at the Capitol, Durbin sought to bolster Congress' credentials on transportation investment, which have tarnished in recent days amid the impasse over the next long-term infrastructure bill.

"Stopgap extensions [of existing law] make it very difficult" for states to map out future projects, Durbin said, vowing that "after health care reform, we'll be focused even more on the economy and jobs," including transportation spending.

Durbin said he would work with fellow senators and House transportation committee chairman Jim Oberstar (D-MN) on a plan to boost federal infrastructure aid as soon as as health care was complete. It fell to Rendell, co-chairman of the infrastructure advocacy group Building America's Future, to mention the "front-loading" idea.

"I think the Treasury can extend money to the highway trust fund, and we can front-load the eventual" six-year transportation bill, Rendell said.

"Let's say we front-loaded $150 billion" of the House's proposed $500 billion transport bill, Rendell added. "The states have proven we can spend infrastructure money quickly. Let's go, let's move -- it would have a tremendous effect in lengthening the recovery."

Few details were offered on the "front-loading" concept, including whether it would amount to an extension of the highway-centric 2005 infrastructure law with extra spending or a down payment on the policy changes contained in this year's House bill.

Durbin made clear that his interest in the idea was his own, yet to be shared by other Democratic leaders, and did not endorse the concept explicitly.

But on a day when unexpectedly high gross domestic product (GDP) data prompted questions about a possible "jobless recovery," depicting new transportation legislation as a job creator carried palpable political appeal for both the senator and the governor.

"We're going to be looking for the most bang for the buck" as 2010 draws near, Durbin said. "Turning to infrastructure is one thing that's going to have broad bipartisan support."

The prospect of asking the Treasury to provide up-front money for transportation arose earlier this year, when Oberstar suggested issuing $60 billion in bonds for infrastructure that could be repaid when the economy registered two consecutive quarters of economic growth.

But that notion would still require a reliable revenue source to close the funding gap necessary to pay for national transport programs, thus opening up a debate over the gas tax for which the Obama administration has shown no enthusiasm.

(ed. note. This post has been updated for clarity.)

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog USA

Friday Video: Let’s Go Biking in Berlin

Streetsblog takes you on a six-minute vacation to one of Europe's great cycling cities.

July 18, 2025

Friday’s Headlines Take the Long Cut

Republicans couldn't repeal higher fuel efficiency standards, so instead they made it painless for automakers to ignore them.

July 18, 2025

Can the D.C. Region Substitute Rail With Buses?

Instead of splashy new rail projects, the D.C. region wants to refocus around the bus. But will it work?

July 18, 2025

Trump and Duffy Continue Assault on California and the Environment, Officially Cancel Federal Funding for High-Speed Rail

“Canceling these grants without cause isn’t just wrong — it’s illegal,” said CAHSRA CEO Ian Choudri.

July 17, 2025

Talking Headways Podcast: Reclaiming the Road

Ohio elected official and geographer David Prytherch on his new book, Reclaiming the Road: Mobility Justice Beyond Complete Streets.

July 17, 2025

A Few Lowlights from Secretary Duffy’s First Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Hearing

Featuring: shouting matches, word-salad answers, blatant misinformation, and more.

July 17, 2025
See all posts