Up-to-date

Institute of Transportation Engineers. ITE Journal, Apr 2003

Transportation Updates from Washington and Around the World

HOUSE FINALIZES TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS

The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee held its organizational meeting on February 12, 2003. The committee approved subcommittee chairmen, ranking members and membership and adopted an oversight plan and committee rules for the 108th Congress. The committee also voted to change the Highways and Transit Subcommittee to the Highways, Transit and Pipelines Subcommittee.

The subcommittee leaders are Chairman Thomas E. Petri (R-WI), Ranking Member William 0. Lipinski (D-IL) and Vice Chairman Bob Beauprez (R-CO). Petri also was appointed vice chairman of the full committee, which has 17 new members. The committee and subcommittee rosters can be accessed via www.house.gov/transportation. For the oversight plan and "views and estimates," visit www.house.gov/transportation/organization.html.

The committee, led by Chairman Don Young (R-AK), will aim to authorize $500 billion in multi-year authorizations in the 108th Congress-highways and transit; aviation; pipeline; high-speed rail; water pollution clean up; Army Corps of Engineers; and economic development and infrastructure in distressed areas. The leadership of the commi tee has targeted $350 billion for highways and transit authorization bill TEA-21 totaled $218 billion.

FHWA: 2002 CONDITIONS AND PERFORMANCE REPORT

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has released the Introduction and Executive Summary of its 2002 Conditions and Performance Report on its Web site. The remainder of the report is not yet available to the public. To access the report, visit www.fhwa.dot.gov/ policy/2002cpr/.

SENATE: FISCAL YEAR 2004 FHWA BUDGET HEARING

"We need more money," was the resounding bipartisan message from members of the Senate Environment and Public Works Subcommittee on Transportation and Infrastructure to FHWA Administrator Mary Peters as she presented President George W Bush's funding plan for fiscal year 2004 (FY04). Peters was told repeatedly that the administration's proposed $29.3 billion for highway funding is inadequate. Subcommittee Chair Kit Bond (R-MO) further stated that the budget, as presented, would not receive enough support to move a bill out of committee. He demonstrated this by bringing to Peters' attention a letter signed by 64 senators, which called the proposal inadequate. The president's request is a $2.5 billion cut from FY03 levels.

Subcommittee members expressed concern that in the administration's long-term plan, funding does not return to the current $31.8 billion level until FY07. Senators also took the administration to task on the delay in delivering its TEA21 reauthorization proposal.

In a written statement, Environment and Public Works Committee Chairman James Inhofe (R-OK) said, "We have no way of thoroughly assessing your budget request. It is simply a bunch of numbers with no policy behind them... both your reauthorization proposal and budget request become less relevant with each week that we do not have your reauthorization proposal." Peters responded that the proposal would be given to Congress soon and that the Bush plan is a "prudent basis for a sustainable highway program."

To access senators' written statements and witness testimony, visit www.senate.gov/-epw/stm1_108.htm#02-27-03.

ROADWAY SAFETY LEGISLATION

Earlier this year, Representative Jay Inslee (D-WA) introduced HR 288, the "Road Way Safety Congestion Mitigation Improvement Act." The legislation establishes a roadway safety program by amending Section 104 of Title 23. The bill focuses on older driver roadway safety enhancements; safety management systems; run-off-road mitigation; speed management; pedestrian and bicycle safety; intersection safety; emergency management; alcohol and seatbelt awareness; highway-rail crossings; and compliance with federal regulations.

The bill authorizes funding for educational materials for older and inexperienced drivers; research and data evaluation and an annual report; the national work zone safety clearinghouse; national work zone awareness week activities; and local technical assistance programs. The bill includes language on increasing the federal share for police assistance at high-risk work zones and for certain positive separation measures.

CONGRESSIONAL E-911 CAUCUS

A bipartisan group of members of Congress and E-911 officials have formed the Congressional E-91 Caucus to help get enhanced 911 networks deployed. According to a news release, the caucus is "committed to elevating the issues of 911 and implementing an agenda to strengthen our country's ability to better respond and communicate in times of emergencies." The founding members of the caucus include Senators Conrad Burns (R-MT) and Hillary Clinton (D-NY) and Representatives Anna Eshoo (D-CA) and John Shimkus (R-IL). The caucus will address E-911 issues related to homeland defense, rural services, state funding and deployment.

FHWA: AMBER PLAN REQUEST FOR APPLICATIONS