The U.S. Senate has voted to adopt a fiscal year 2012 transportation budget that funds programs at or near current levels.
Among other items, the Senate bill contains $550 million for TIGER infrastructure grants, but only $100 million for high-speed rail. High-speed rail has already received $10 billion through stimulus and other spending, but House Republicans have shown no appetite to fund high-speed rail further.
The Senate did defeat an effort to limit the use of “transportation enhancement” funds that communities use for sidewalks, bike-lanes and other types of projects.
The Senate bill will eventually have to be reconciled with a House version, which has yet to be approved. Although the one they're working on would cut $16 billion from transportation programs.
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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