Recently, officials at the Department of Transportation have indicated the department’s intended direction for the new reauthorization bill for surface transportation programs. According to Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood, the focus of the bill should center on a philosophy of “livability,” which encourages communities to place more importance on transportation by walking and bicycling rather than primarily on vehicular transportation. However, DOT has also made clear that despite its focus on “livability,” it intends to proceed with more traditional projects with freight and rail as well. In particular, the department will continue to direct funding toward highway construction and repair where walking, biking, and other public transportation options are not feasible.

Partnerships with HUD and other agencies will also likely play a continued role in transportation initiatives. The department also expects a third year of funding under the TIGER (Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery) grants program, with additional focus on port and rail projects due to the heavy emphasis on freight projects in previous years. In addition, the department hopes that any increase in the national gas tax as a result of climate legislation will result in additional funds for transportation projects.

As the Federal Railroad Administration is well underway with the National Rail Plan, FRA Administrator Joseph Szabom has made clear the importance of continued support for the project. Indicating the further importance of railway funding, Roy Kienitz, undersecretary for policy at DOT, has signaled that the department will continue its support for high-speed rail projects, provided these products utilize manufacturing and labor based in the U.S.