Just prior to the end of 2010, Congress passed and President Obama signed, a continuing resolution that will maintain 2010 funding levels for most federal programs through March 4, 2011. The measure puts off decisions about federal spending priorities until the new Congress gets to work.
As part of the continuing resolution, transportation appropriations were also extended as was the current federal transportation, SAFETEA-LU, through March 4. You will recall that SAFETEA-LU actually expired on September 30, 2009 and has been kept alive through a series of extensions since then. President Obama is expected to send a new authorization bill to Congress early this year. The incoming chair of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Rep. John Mica of Florida, has indicated that he will move quickly on a new authorization bill upon Congress returning this month.
Given that House Republicans, now in the majority, have vowed to reduce federal spending, and with no revenues identified, it is unlikely that any new transportation legislation would expand the current proram.
Arnold Weinfeld covers federal issues for the Michigan Municipal League. He can be reached at 517-908-0304 or by e-mail.
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