Today’s Headlines

  • Oberstar raises objections to funding strategy being used for Detroit’s light rail project, imperiling the proposal (Crain’s Biz)
  • The Senate environment committee hopes to start marking up its climate bill tomorrow — but that depends on Republicans’ abandonment of their threatened boycott (The Hill)
  • Congress officially extends the 2005 federal transportation law for another six weeks, putting off its decision-making process until Dec. 18 (JOC)
  • New study questions the effectiveness of Maryland’s landmark smart growth law (Wash Post)
  • L.A. trial is seen as test case for cyclists’ rights (Times)

  • There had been worry that M1 Rail’s original intention to begin construction by the end of this year would jeopardize the matching-funds idea because work would begin before federal requirements on environmental studies would be finished on the city’s segment.

    It appears Oberstar shares those same concerns.

    I don’t get it. They could be ineligible for matching funds because they’re starting early? And Oberstar thinks it’s okay for them to lose this eligibility?

  • Peter Smith

    I don’t get it. They could be ineligible for matching funds because they’re starting early?

    no. it would be because the project will not meet federal guidelines for funds, including adequate environmental review. start tomorrow if you like — just make sure the env review, and the other requirements, are taken care of first.

    And Oberstar thinks it’s okay for them to lose this eligibility?

    no. that’s why he told them to fix it.

    that’s, at least, my reading of it. the whole scenario is a bit confusing.

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