Latest on the stimulus package…

Jan 14th, 2009

Finally some uplifting news for us transit advocates from incoming Press Secretary Robert Gibbs answering a question about prioritizing intercity rail and transit above highways. “Transit and intercity rail projects will be a major component of the president-elect’s infrastructure program. Not only will they provide jobs to help get this economy moving again but they will reduce our dependence on foreign oil, cut the amount of carbon in our atmosphere, clean our air, and more importantly, improve the quality of life for millions of Americans.” This is a welcomed change from the wish lists being circulated, and from Obama’s own ‘bridge and highway’ rhetoric.

In other news Congressman James Oberstar, Chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, has been publicly pressing for more transit investment as part of the infrastructure package over the past several weeks. “He has presented an $83-billion infrastructure proposal to the House Democratic Steering Committee on Job Creation and Economic Recovery, including $30 billion for highways and bridges (36%), $17 billion for transit and intercity rail (20%) and $36 billion for aviation, environmental projects, the US Army Corps of Engineers and federal buildings.” From our friends at Twin Cities Streets for People.

FDOT recently released its own project wishlist for federal stimulus. A seven billion dollar mixture of intercity rail and highway expansion, the list falls short with resepect to transportation (unless you call highways in the middle of nowhere transportation). Compare that with the $1.4 billion accelerated projects list that the state is set to pay for, which doesnt include any mass transit or rail infrastructure at all, and you can realistically start calling the FDOT ‘FDOH’ – the Florida Department of Highways.

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