Federal Funding/Policy
Senators Cardin and Wicker Lead on TAP
This week, Senators Cardin (D-MD) and Wicker (R-MS) introduced S. 1098, the Transportation Alternatives Enhancements Act. We applaud them for their leadership on this key funding program for Safe Routes to School, biking and walking projects and programs across the country.
Transportation Heats Up in the Senate
While the current FAST Act won’t expire until September 2020, it takes a lot of time for Congress to hold hearings, negotiate, come up with bills, find funding, and get them passed and signed into law. Past transportation reauthorization bills have been plagued by delays and extensions, but the Senate in particular is off to a fast start this year.
Congress Talks Climate and Transportation
In the first two months of the new Congress, one key issue making news is climate change. The transportation sector is the largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, making up 28.5 percent of all emissions. Emissions from transportation have been increasing primarily due to people driving more and driving larger vehicles that are less fuel efficient. Often, emission reduction solutions focus on things like electrifying cars and transit or shifting to zero-emissions trucks.
An Explainer: State Implementation of the Transportation Alternatives Program
Stay up to date on how much TAP funding your state is obligating for biking and walking projects.
Congressional Leaders Speak Out on Safe Routes, Biking, and Walking
While much of the attention in January here in DC has been focused on resolving the standoff over the government shutdown, Congress has also been getting organized – welcoming new members, deciding committee leadership and assignments, and staffing up.
2018 Election Results: What Do They Mean for Active Transportation?
As the media has fully covered, the November elections resulted in Democrats getting the majority in the U.S. House of Representatives and Republicans retaining their majority in the Senate. That means we have a divided Congress and compromise will be needed for any legislation to move forward.
States Leap Ahead with TAP Funding
Every quarter, we look at how state departments of transportation are handling their allocations for the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP). This is a particularly important quarter as it marks the end of the federal fiscal year, which is the deadline for states to obligate their FY2015 funding or lose it.
Congressional Update: Progress on Spending Bills; Concerns on Automated Vehicles Bill
We’re nearing the end of September, which means it is time for Congress to reach resolution on the annual appropriations process. By September 30, Congress must either pass funding bills for the various federal agencies or extend them through a continuing resolution.
Shuster Proposal Sets Stage for Transportation Reauthorization
Earlier this week, Rep. Shuster (R-PA), the current chair of the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, released an Infrastructure Discussion Draft. He is hoping it will prompt discussion on how to address the continual shortfall of funding in the Highway Trust Fund.