The House of Representatives today passed 221 to 202 legislation that would fund the federal transportation programs and a host of other federal agencies in FY 2010. The measure would boost highway investment from $40.7 billion in FY 2009 to $41.8 billion in federal highway investments ($41.1 billion for the core highway program and $650 million in additional highway investments distributed to the states). It also would include $10.73 billion for the public transportation programs—a $602 million increase.
The bill would also provide $2.5 billion for high speed passenger rail “to provide grants to states or Amtrak for high speed/intercity passenger rail.” The measure retains Airport Improvement Program investment at $3.5 billion.
Finally, the bill includes $600 million for “grants to support significant transportation projects in a wide variety of modes, including highways and bridges, public transportation, passenger and freight railroads and port infrastructure.”
The measure now moves to the Senate for consideration, but Senate leaders have not said when that debate will occur. The programs are currently operating on a short-term extension that lasts through December 18.
EUCA will continue to keep you updated as this moves forward!
