Skip to Content
Streetsblog USA home
Streetsblog USA home
Log In
Streetsblog.net

As State DOTs Receive Surprise $, Risk and Opportunity for Safe Streets

Heads up, advocates. Last week the White House released more than $470 million in unspent transportation earmarks, turning it over to state DOTs to use at their discretion. Now states have to decide by October 1 what projects will receive funding, according to a press release from the White House.

The news should be taken as a challenge for advocates of biking and walking, says Network blog WashCycle. Will the money be channeled toward healthy modes? In the DC region, it's going to be interesting:

It appears that each state will be able to redirect these earmarks towards any project they want - instead of what they were earmarked for. This could be good for cyclists, if money that was sitting unspent quickly finds its way to eligible bike/ped projects. But it could also be bad if money already earmarked for bike projects get redirected to other items. And there are such earmarks at risk now.

In DC, things can probably only get better, but then DC isn't sitting on much money. There's only $56,000 in play - money that appears to be left over from the 9th Street NE bridge and South Capital Street projects. I don't think that the second project includes the South Capital Street Trail, but if so, bike advocates should ensure that it stays there. If it's truly left over money, $56k could buy a lot of bike racks or a new CaBi station.

But it's Virginia where the real risk - and opportunity - lies. With nearly $10M in earmarks, there is a lot of money in play. Unfortunately, much of that money is already set aside for biking, which means that it could be lost. Top of the list is $983,928 for land acquisition for the pedestrian trail "over the George Washington Memorial Bridge" which I assume is for a new connection to the Mt Vernon Trail.  We should make sure that isn't lost. Also in Arlington County, there's $390,000 for the Jefferson Davis Highway (Rt 1) Improvements, $79,000 for Columbia Pike Improvements and $60,000 for the South Glebe Road improvements, any of which may include bike infrastructure. There's another $983,928 for Fairfax County Trail improvements in Great Falls.

All of this money is now in play - and at the state level, and that may not be good. This is all kind of new and so it's impossible to know what will happen. Virginia's DOT has been asked about it, but they aren't yet ready to answer.

To see how much money your state got, the Federal Highway Administration has the details.

Elsewhere on the Network today: The Political Environment explains that a Wisconsin smart growth group is pushing a state constitutional amendment that would redirect some spending from highways to local roads. Bike Walk Lee (County) joins Florida's advocacy groups in calling on the state department of transportation to dedicate all the federal money available to bike and walking, and help address the state's shameful distinction as the deadliest for pedestrians and cyclists. And Bike Beat Blog questions the Connecticut Department of Transportation's pledge to prioritize cycling safety after a street closure leaves bike riders with no good options.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog USA

Friday Video: Are We All Living in a ‘Carspiracy’?

How does "car-brain" shape the way we think about the world — even in relatively bike-friendly countries like the U.K.?

July 26, 2024

Friday’s Headlines Share and Share Alike

Bikeshares, and e-bikes and scooters generally, are becoming more popular. That's led to more injuries, highlighting the need for better infrastructure.

July 26, 2024

What the Heck is Going on With the California E-Bike Incentive Program?

The program's launch has been delayed for two years, and currently "there is no specific timeline" for it. Plus the administrator, Pedal Ahead, is getting dragged, but details are vague.

July 26, 2024

Talking Headways Podcast: Have Cities Run Out of Land?

Chris Redfearn of USC and Anthony Orlando of Cal Poly Pomona on why "pro-business" Texas housing markets are catching up to "pro-regulation" California and what it might mean for future city growth.

July 25, 2024

The Paris Plan for Olympic Traffic? Build More Bike Lanes

A push to make Paris fully bikable for the Olympics is already paying dividends long before the opening ceremonies.

July 25, 2024
See all posts