All posts from the month of December 2010
A special message from James Oberstar to our supporters and coalition
December 23, 2010By Stephen Lee Davis
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| Flickr photo by Bike Portland |
We have a special treat to share with you.
Rep. James Oberstar, outgoing chair of the House transportation committee, has written a letter to the supporters and coalition members of Transportation for America that we’d like to share.
Rep. Oberstar has been a tireless advocate for transportation during his 18 terms in Congress, working to build a 21st century transportation system that works better, saves money, gives us more options, keeps us safer and gets us where we’re going.
After you read his letter, click here to leave a message for Chairman Oberstar that we’ll get to him right after the holidays. The next time we meet with him, we want him to hear from our thousands of supporters that his hard work has not gone unnoticed.
We’ll see you all in 2011. Happy Holidays.
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Message to the Transportation for America Coalition from Hon. James L. Oberstar, Chairman, House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
Dear Friends:
As I prepare to end my 36-year career in Congress, I want to take this opportunity to thank the millions of concerned Americans who have supported my efforts to create a new, bipartisan vision for our Nation’s infrastructure.
The Transportation for America Coalition has played a key role in educating and activating Americans on the vital need to create an innovative, robust blueprint for the country’s transportation future.
Congestion is choking our roadways. Our bridges are in dire need of repair, rehabilitation, or replacement. Transit options are inadequate or nonexistent in most communities, and our passenger rail system pales in comparison to those in Europe and Asia. Our economy is suffering for it. Our standing in the world marketplace is slipping. If we can’t move people to work and goods to market, we will never recover.
At the same time, we need to create and sustain good, family-wage jobs. As the stimulus provided by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act has proven, investment in our transportation infrastructure will do that.
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Click here to leave a message for Rep. Oberstar and thank him for his work over nearly four decades. |
We must approach our transportation holistically. We can no longer afford to focus separately on highways, transit, and rail. The Department of Transportation must develop a culture of intermodalism, one where DOT agencies share information, ideas, and initiatives.
If we are to reform our Nation’s transportation system, we must also address the issue of funding. The fuel tax, the backbone of our surface transportation revenue stream, has not been raised since 1993. A dollar today does not buy what it did in 1993, and this is especially true of construction costs, which have increased far beyond the rate of inflation.
Voters and legislatures in several states have elected to raise their state and local transportation taxes, and that is commendable. However, if we are to avoid a state-by-state patchwork of highway conditions and transportation systems and have a truly national transportation network, we must approach this issue on a national scale. This must be done by Congress.
While fuel taxes will remain the foundation of our transportation revenues for the foreseeable future, we must look beyond this source for sustainable funding. As Americans choose to burn less fuel, drive more efficient cars, and live in communities with better transportation options, fuel purchases will level off and eventually decline. New sources of revenue must be identified, developed, and phased in to supplement, and possibly eventually replace, the fuel tax as our primary source of transportation funding.
New leadership comes to the House Committee on Transportation in 2011, and the effort to craft a new, six-year surface transportation authorization bill will begin anew. It will be up to you in the Transportation for America Coalition, and informed, motivated groups and individuals throughout the country, to make your voices heard again, to help steer Congress to making the right choices for America.
Good luck and God bless.
James L. Oberstar, M.C.
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Click here to leave a message of thanks for Rep. Oberstar that we’ll deliver to him in early 2011
Today’s Headlines – 12/22/10
December 22, 2010By Transportation for America
With the Senate approving a continuing resolution, current transportation law will remain in effect until March 4. (Alt-Transport)
Finding a way to pay for new investments remains a political impediment to reauthorization. (Transport Topics)
USDOT is giving New Jersey two weeks to repay $271 million for the canceled Hudson River tunnel. (Star-Ledger)
Chicago’s transit agency won a $1.6 million grant for bus rapid transit. (Tribune)
San Francisco is a dangerous city for pedestrians, with more than 800 people hit by cars each year. (Chronicle)
And, Helena, Montana is considering a ‘complete streets’ policy. (KXLH)
Today’s Headlines – 12/21/10
December 21, 2010By Transportation for America
The Obama administration’s engagement with Republicans has extended to multiple meetings between Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood and incoming House chair John Mica. (WSJ)
The incoming crop of House transportation committee Republicans hail primarily from rural and suburban districts. (Reason Blog)
California is using its new allotment of federals funds to extend high-speed rail to Bakersfield. (Chronicle)
Oregon lawmakers are looking to lottery revenue to fund transportation projects. (BikePortland)
And, the sprawl inducing tax deduction for mortgage interest could be scaled back or reformed. (LA Times)
Today’s Headlines – 12/20/10
December 20, 2010By Transportation for America
The U.S. is lagging countries like China and Brazil in big infrastructure projects. (AP)
Incoming House transportation committee chairman John Mica indicated that Build America Bonds could return. (Reuters)
Despite voting to commemorate former DOT secretary Norman Mineta, Congress has responded to his pleadings for transportation reform and investment. (Streetsblog Capitol Hill)
Current secretary Ray LaHood told his hometown newspaper getting a new bill done next year tops his priority list. (Peoria Star Journal)
Fresno City officials in California’s Central Valley are having trouble saying no to sprawl. (Fresno Bee)
And, potential 2012 rivals in Montana continued to spar over earmarks. (The Hill)
Congress moves to preserve tax benefit for transit commuters
December 17, 2010By Stephen Lee Davis
We have some good news to report back. The tax package that the House approved today and sent to President Obama for his signature this afternoon contains a one-year extension of the $230 per month commuter tax benefit for transit users. (Background on the issue)
This is terrific news and means that transit users won’t see their benefits cut in half come January 1st.
This benefit for transit commuters, which was raised and equalized with the existing parking benefit at $230 in the 2009 stimulus bill, was due to expire at the end of the year and go back to the old $120 amount— meaning the amount of money transit users can get taken out of their paycheck tax free each month for their commute would be cut in half. Meanwhile, those who choose or need to drive and park would continue getting the $230 benefit each month.
We didn’t think that was fair and thousands of you didn’t think so either. Perhaps you signed the Commuter Nation petition or sent an email or made a phone call to Congress. They got the message and a handful of leaders in the Senate and House worked to get that provision into the tax bill.
For occasional commuters, $120 might be enough, but for those that take and depend on transit every day and spend more than $120 each month — especially those that use more expensive commuter rail or heavy rail systems — they would have had to pay taxes on more of their income each month, putting a dent in the wallet at the time when unemployment is high and money is tight for most Americans.
Estimates varied by agency, but here in Washington, D.C., WMATA said about 285,000 of their users took advantage of the federal program to get part of their paycheck tax-free, and about 90,000 customers needed more than the old $120 amount. And about half the riders of MARC, Maryland’s commuter rail service, use the full $230 or more.
To spell out the financial difference, without the extension commuters who spend $230 each month, $1,320 more of their pay would be taxable each year — costing them several hundred dollars in taxes each year.
Take a minute and call your Senators and Representative and thank them for including this in the bill. We all benefit when more people use public transportation and it’s only fair that transit commuters and drivers have access to the same tax benefits. Tell them why transit matters and why we need to help keep more money in our pockets — no matter how we choose to get to work.
Call the Capitol Switchboard at (202) 224-3121 and ask to speak to your Senators or Representative. You can deliver a quick thanks and a message to the person who answers the phone.
Today’s Headlines – 12/17/10
December 17, 2010By Transportation for America
President Obama will sign the bipartisan tax cuts deal today, despite strong opposition from some Democrats, such as Oregon’s Peter DeFazio. (USA Today, Oregonian)
West Virginia Congressman Nick Rahall was confirmed as the top Democrat on the House transportation committee. (WVNS)
Incoming committee chairman John Mica announced his Republican members. (Streetsblog Capitol Hill)
The Brookings Institution released a proposal for a two-year transportation reauthorization. (Streetsblog Capitol Hill)
And, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie says he will consider the feds’ offer to return a portion of funds from the canceled ARC tunnel project. (Star-Ledger)
Today’s Headlines – 12/16/10
December 16, 2010By Transportation for America
President Obama’s meeting with CEOs drew mixed reviews, but some cited the potential for common ground on infrastructure. (Atlantic Wire)
Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood extolled transportation investment
as an economic recovery tool at a South Carolina business forum. (Charleston Regional Business Journal)
New Jersey can get about half of the $271 million the state owes for the canceled Hudson River tunnel, if the money is spent on air quality. (Star-Ledger)
Many high-speed rail critics do not hold other projects to the same standard, writes Ryan Avert. (The Bellows Blog)
The town of Hanover, Massachusetts may turn an abandoned rail bed into a six-mile pedestrian and bike trail. (Boston Globe)
And, Fort Worth transit officials voted to ban all religious ads on buses. (Dallas Morning News)
California mayors support smart transportation investments as key to economic recovery and public health
December 15, 2010By Transportation for America
Yesterday, the leaders of California’s population centers issued a call to the incoming Congress to update the nation’s transportation program to address their citizens’ 21st-century needs, from upkeep of roads and bridges to a cleaner, more efficient transit network.
As a new Congress prepares to take up a multi-year infrastructure bill, 65 California mayors, supervisors and other elected officials joined together to send a united message about what their communities need for economic recovery and quality of life.
These elected officials released a signed letter sent to Senator Boxer of California expressing their support for reforms to the federal transportation program that would help California make the transportation investments needed to bring down California’s 12 percent unemployment rate, clean the air, and lay the foundation for healthier, more livable communities.
“The nation’s transportation program has not been significantly updated since the creation of the Interstate Highway System in the 1950s. With California and the nation facing new and different challenges in the 21st century, a modern approach is needed to ensure that transportation continues to fuel the economy of California and the nation,“ said Mayor Gavin Newsom of San Francisco, who will soon take statewide office as Lieutenant Governor. “We need to put people back to work connecting our cities with high-speed rail, efficient and affordable public transportation systems, and building clean freight systems and safe places to walk and bicycle.”
According to a study from the nonpartisan Economic Policy Institute comparing an equivalent amount of investment in the current federal transportation law with a proposal containing reforms from Transportation for America, California is poised to see 807,000 new jobs by focusing on accountability and performance while building a 21st century transportation system.
With five of the ten cities with the worst air pollution in the country, it’s critical for California to clean its air and improve public health — areas where transportation has a major, but often ignored, impact. In the greater Los Angeles region alone the health costs of air pollution are conservatively estimated at $22 billion per year, dragging down the economy and quality of life. The region is home to more than 12 million vehicles as well as the two busiest ports in the United States, the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.
As a member of the California Air Resources Board, the state agency responsible for cleaning California’s air, Riverside Mayor Ron Loveridge believes that providing safe, clean, and efficient transportation alternatives are a crucial step toward relieving congestion, reducing air pollution and ensuring people and goods move freely and efficiently.
“There is a great need for sustained high-speed rail funding and the creation of a national freight plan to fund clean air projects. As the trade gateway to the United States, Southern California needs to have a long-term vision to clean the air while improving economic competitiveness. The federal bill should have dedicated revenues to support sustained investments in regional high-speed and clean freight rail that connect and serve our cities and trade hubs,” Mayor Loveridge said.
Compared to cars, passenger rail reduces oil consumption by 40 percent. Freight rail is four times more energy efficient than trucks and one train can carry as much cargo as 200 trucks. With thorough planning and placement, rail investments — including high-speed passenger rail — can reduce traffic on congested highways.
San Francisco, Sacramento, San Diego, Los Angeles and other major metropolitan cities will continue to grow. Safe, affordable and efficient public transportation systems will become increasingly important in connecting people to the jobs and services they and their families depend on. A bipartisan, national Transportation for America poll found that over 80% of Americans believe the nation would benefit from an expanded and improved public transportation system.
“Federal funding will allow our public transportation systems to continue to grow and serve expanding communities,” said San Diego City Councilmember Todd Gloria. “Investments in both capital transit projects and ongoing transit operations demonstrate the prioritization of strong alternatives to single-car transportation.”
Voters are also increasingly willing to tax themselves for improved transportation when they know clearly what they’re getting for the money — like voters did in Los Angeles with Measure R, a half-cent sales tax approved by a two-thirds majority to rapidly expand the local transit system. Elected leaders in the Los Angeles region such as Mayor Richard Bloom of Santa Monica are pushing for innovative financing programs from the federal government that would make ambitious programs like the 30/10 initiative — a plan to build 12 major transit projects in 10 years rather than 30 — a reality.
“These programs will create thousands of jobs and reduce air pollution and oil dependency, thus addressing the most serious national and global challenges we now confront as Americans,” said Mayor Bloom and Councilmember Terry O’Day. “What is truly exciting is that they will do this while improving the quality of life in our neighborhoods and give people access to services they need without having to drive to get them.”
These leaders also called for more accountable and transparent spending to ensure that during the recession and beyond, every federal dollar for transportation gets the most bang for the buck. The letter to Senator Boxer details the group’s collective support for a process of setting long-term goals for states and regions to pursue. Using these goals, regions and states would create regional plans and prioritize investing in projects to make continuous progress towards meeting them. Goals would include achieving measurable progress in increasing transit ridership, reducing congestion, repairing roads, making communities more walkable and bikable, reductions in air pollution, and improving safety, to name a few.
“Performance-based planning programs like the Sacramento Regional Blueprint provide a model for supporting economic growth, a cleaner environment, and safer and more effective transportation options through smart planning with specific goals in mind” said Mayor Kevin Johnson of Sacramento. “In these times of limited resources, we must embrace accountability measures to make sure that each and every tax dollar is spent wisely. Our federal transportation program must keep the eyes on the prize – and support regions in focusing spending on projects that will deliver the outcomes our communities need.”
“Transportation For America’s platform promotes a transportation policy that will serve both local needs and national priorities,” said Judy Corbett, Executive Director of the Local Government Commission, a longstanding Transportation For America partner based in Sacramento. “I’m thrilled that so many California elected officials are joining us in speaking out on the critical issue of investing in a 21st century transportation system.”
The federal transportation bill is rewritten only every six years. These 65 elected leaders are making it clear to Congress that they must adopt reforms that will prioritize maintaining our existing infrastructure and funding the 21st century transportation system that is safer, cleaner, smarter, and works for all communities.
- Download the letter to Senator Boxer
- View the full list of partners, including these California mayors and elected officials
Today’s Headlines – 12/15/10
December 15, 2010By Transportation for America
Two San Diego Councilmembers joined 65 elected officials in urging Senator Boxer to reform transportation policy. (Union-Tribune)
Congress’ omnibus spending bill includes $8 billion in earmarks. (Politico)
A strong federal interest exists in non-highway transportation, writes Michael Lewyn. (Planetizen)
Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell reiterated his call for a national infrastructure bank. (AP)
New Illinois Senator Mark Kirk cited support for high-speed rail in his first floor speech. (Chicago Daily Herald)
And, outgoing transportation committee chair Jim Oberstar said goodbye to the House, calling the lack of a transportation bill last year “a great opportunity missed.” (Minnesota Post)
Today’s Headlines – 12/14/10
December 14, 2010By Transportation for America
The tax bill expected to pass the Senate today contains the transit commuter benefit. (Baltimore Sun)
President Obama is reaching out to incoming Republican chairs, including the House transportation committee’s John Mica. (Politico)
AAA is getting pushback over opposition to federal funding for non-highway projects. (Streetsblog Capitol Hill)
Bakersfield could be included in the initial leg of California’s high-speed rail line. (KERO 23)
The Michigan DOT wants feedback on its new five-year plan. (Battle Creek Enquirer)
And, atheist ads on Fort Worth buses are causing a stir — and prompting counter-ads. (NYT)
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- The more they see, the less they like: 10 reasons why opposition to the House transportation bill is growing
February 21, 2012 - Crucial amendment could improve Senate bill, restore local control and help make streets safer
February 14, 2012 - Oppose House bill that slashes public transit funding, falls short on repair and axes bike & pedestrian safety
February 7, 2012 - T4 coalition announces opposition to House energy and transportation bill
February 6, 2012 - House committee ignores broad opposition, decimates transit funding anyway
February 3, 2012
- The more they see, the less they like: 10 reasons why opposition to the House transportation bill is growing
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