The U.S. House has passed legislation, H.R. 5850, appropriating funding for federal transportation and housing programs for fiscal year 2011.
Transportation - Although the debate over a new formula continues separately, the bill authorizes $45 billion for federal highway programs, $3 billion more than fiscal year 2010 and $4 billion more than the president's request.
Funding for separate programs such as TIGER grants received $400 million ($200 million less than 2010); $1.4 billion for high-speed rail; $1.79 billion for Amtrak; and $8.36 billion for federal transit programs such as transit formula and bus grants. Also included was $200 million for the "Livable Communities Program" although a amendment specificed that those funds would not become available until Congress passes actual reauthorization legislation.
Housing - Funding for Housing and Urban Development (HUD) programs was set at $46.6 billion, $1 billion more than requested by the President. CDBG funds were set at $4 billion; $19.5 billion for the Section 8 Tenant-based rental assistance program; $200 million for HOPE VI program for public housing; $2.1 billion for Homeless Assistance Grants; and $150 million for the Sustainable Communities Initiative.
This of course is only the first step in funding for these programs and given continuing concerns over the federal budget deficit, it is expected that there will be attempts to cut funding as the appropriations moves forward.
Arnold Weinfeld covers federal issues for the Michigan Municipal League. He can be reached at 517-908-0304 or by e-mail.
23e23f99-be93-4dba-b832-0a9cd3d406d1|0|.0
