With Congress now in session, the new chair of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Congressman John Mica of Florida, has stated his intention to hold hearings outside of Washington, D.C. to learn about local concerns. Congressman Mica has also said he hopes to move a transportation authorization bill this year. What it will look like is anybody's guess. Michigan is represented on the committee by Congresswoman Candice Miller from Macomb County.
In the Senate, Sen. Barbara Boxer, chair of the Environment and Public Works committiee has announced that she is working to find areas of agreement with both Sen. James Inhofe (R-Ok), the ranking Republican on the Committee, and Rep. Mica on a transportation bill. The committee will hold a hearing on surface transportation on January 26th.
For its part, the White House and U.S. Department of Transportation are working out priorities for a new bill, as well. President Obama is expected to address his priorities during his State of the Union speech on January 25th.
All of this presents a great opportunity for local officials to meet with their congressional representatives to discuss critical issues related to transportation. The League is strongly supportive of a new transportation funding bill that, 1) increases the minimum rate-of-return for highway funding to 95 percent; 2) supports local decision making by increasing funding commitments directly to communities, beginning with the sub-allocation of funds wtihin states to cities; 3) prioritizes repair of existing roads, bridges and transit systems; 4) supports mutli-modal programs that provide funding directly to local communities such as TIGER grants, transit, high-speed rail, bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure.
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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