Transportation For America » Transportation for America Voices Support for Senator Dodd’s Livable Communities Act

Transportation for America Voices Support for Senator Dodd’s Livable Communities Act

August 12, 2009
By Transportation for America

Bill helps cut traffic congestion, reduce emissions and oil consumption, protect green spaces, revive urban centers and create more affordable housing

CONTACT:
Cosabeth Bullock
202-478-6128, 202-904-7466
cbullock@mrss.com

Washington, D.C. — James Corless, director of Transportation for America, released the following statement in response to Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee Chairman Dodd’s (D-CT) introduction of the Livable Communities Act:

“Last week’s introduction of the Livable Communities Act emphasizes a growing demand from the American people to reshape our communities and transportation options to meet our evolving needs. Americans spend nearly two-thirds of their income on the combined costs of housing and transportation, and are looking for affordable options to live closer to their jobs, schools, and amenities. Senator Dodd’s measure would help Americans find a way out of traffic congestion, reduce emissions and gasoline consumption, protect green spaces, revive urban centers and create more affordable places to live.

“The act aligns with an overarching goal of the Transportation for America campaign — to integrate housing and commerce with a safe, clean and smart transportation system that provides real, affordable options for all Americans. In order for the upcoming transportation bill to be truly effective, Congress must evaluate the current system with an eye towards creating a system that will work for everyone.”

The Act authorizes $400 million in competitive grants to plan for livable communities, integrating transportation, housing, economic development and environmental needs. It authorizes $3.75 billion over three years for implementation of projects promoting sustainable development by creating and preserving affordable housing in neighborhoods with access to jobs and served by transit; improving public transportation; creating safe places for walking and biking; redeveloping brownfields; and fostering revitalization. It also creates an inter-departmental council to coordinate among transportation, housing and urban development and environmental agencies, and creates an office of sustainability at HUD.