MAP-21 mapped out

After 33 months of wrangling, Congress finally agreed late last week on a transportation package to replace SAFETEA-LU. It's called MAP-21 -- Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act -- and will direct $105 billion worth of federal surface transportation funding for the next 27 months, through October 2014.

MAP-21 addresses multiple issues. Although there is general relief that something has been passed, not everyone is happy with the result. For summaries and perspectives, try the following:

• Easy-to-digest summary posted by a Washington, DC blogger
• Cheat Sheet part 1 & part 2 and MAP-21 Learning Center supplied by Transportation Issues Daily (TID)
• US Department of Transportation MAP-21 web portal
• Quotes from Congressional leaders (TID) about the compromise
• Joint Explanatory Statement from Congress describing the final bill negotiations
• Chart comparing final Conference Report version to original Senate and House versions (Politico)
• Congressional Budget Office (CBO) cost estimate
• The Secretary of Transportation says that "this is a good bill that will create jobs, strengthen our transportation system, and grow our economy"
• National Journal asks transportation experts whether it's "an early Christmas present or a lump of coal"
• Rails-to-Trails Conservancy suggests the bill is "a step back"
• Transportation for America says it's "a clear step backwards"

More opinions and perspectives are bound to be issued in the coming days, weeks, and months as the details of the package are poured over and the implications are put into play once signed by President Obama.


What's your take?

Update on Federal transport issues

Transportation remains a hot topic of debate on the national level.

The White House released its Fiscal Year (FY) 2013 budget proposal, which includes significant implications for transportation policy and investment. The US Department of Transportation issued a press release regarding the budget proposal and the Secretary of Transportation blogged about it.

The new urbanism/smart growth advocacy group Better! Cities & Towns shared its perspective on the budget proposal: “Though hardly anyone has noticed, the proposed 2013 budget of the US Department of Transportation (DOT) promises a remarkable advance: It takes livability mainstream.”

Congress continues to debate disparate visions for transportation policy and investment in the Senate and House versions of surface transportation re-authorization.

The Transportation for America campaign provides its take on the latest developments, including the House abandoning the idea of a 5-year bill in favor of the shorter timeframe propsed in the Senate through the MAP-21 legislation.

The Transportation Issues Daily blog advocates supporting passage of the House bill, "even if you hate it."

Through a transport policy blog sponsored by the National Journal, transportation experts discuss whether we'll ever see a long-term surface transportation re-authorization.

Interesting times indeed in the word of transportation...

"Walk Friendly Communities" program

On October 1, 2010, the US Department of Transportation's Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), in conjunction with the Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center (PBIC), launched Walk Friendly Communities (WFC), a new initiative to encourage communities across the country to support pedestrian safety.  Read the FHWA press release for details.




US Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood described its benefits in a recent blog post.  FHWA Administrator Victor Mendez said, "Walk Friendly Communities will show how cities and towns across the country are creatively improving walkability and demonstrating leadership in addressing pedestrian safety concerns."

The program offers a comprehensive assessment tool to evaluate community walkability and pedestrian safety. Questions in the online survey cover a community's efforts in engineering, education, encouragement, enforcement, evaluation, and planning. The program will accept applications until December 15, 2010.

Transportation Secretary on biking, walking, and "what Americans want"

In an April 5 interview with the New York Times, Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood talks about the recently updated United States Department of Transportation Policy Statement on Bicycle and Pedestrian Accommodation. Secretary LaHood continues to characterize the policy update as a "sea change." He also states that the support for bicycle and pedestrian investments is "what Americans want."

April 14 Note: "Transportation's Bicycle Policy Hits Potholes"
The Seattle Times / Associated Press reports some backlash from "some conservatives and industries dependent on trucking" concerning the recent announcements of Secretary LaHood.

US DOT Policy Statement on Bicycle and Pedestrian Accommodation

The United States Department of Transportation (US DOT) recently issued an updated Policy Statement on Bicycle and Pedestrian Accommodation - Regulations and Recommendations.

Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood presented at the National Bike Summit and blogged about it on March 15.

Jefferson County will be updating the 2002 Non-Motorized Transportation and Recreational Trails Plan in the coming months. Stay tuned for more information on how to participate.

USDOT Transportation Secretary addresses energy & the transportation sector

The US Secretary of Transportation, Ray LaHood, spoke to the Council on Competiveness National Energy Summit & International Dialogue on September 23 about the role of the transportation sector in our energy challenges, and the steps the US Department of Transportation is taking to address those challenges.

See Secretary LaHood's blog entry about the event.

Thumbnail updates of his "Welcome to the Fast Lane" blog, as well as other transportation-related blogs, appear on the right side of this blog. Scroll down to see the list.