The Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works has passed a two-year transportation authorization bill. However, other Senate committee's now get their shot at the bill. The Senate Banking Committee still needs to consider the transit part of the bill, Commerce will get its hands on the rail portion, and Finance is going to figure out how to come up with $12 billion additional to fully fund the bill.
Two of the more controversial issues that will continued to generate debate is funding for the Transportation Enhancment program and how MPO's are treated. As noted in previous blogs, the bill consolidatea the Transportation Enhancements, Safe Routes to School, and Recreational Trails programs and cuts funding for the three programs. States are also given greater flexibility as to how the funds can be used and they'd be able to opt-out of using federal funds for bike or pedestrian uses altogether.
As for MPO's, the bill increases the population threshold for the creation of MPO's from 50,000 to 200,000. The League will be working with our congressional delegation and partners in Washington to ensure that no matter what, current areas served by MPO's will continue to be served in the same manner.
As noted, passage from the EPW committee is but the first step in what will no doubt be a hard discussion on the future of federal transportation funding and policy. Recall that Congressman Mica in the House also has his own bill. With the current extension set to expire on March 1, and the work of the Super-Committee on Deficit reduction still to do its work, there is a long way yet to go.
Arnold Weinfeld is Director of Strategic Initiatives and Federal Affairs for the Michigan Municipal League. He can be reached at 517-908-0304 or by e-mail.
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