Not a lot of details from the Conference yet, but according to Pelosi's
summary, it looks like the Nadler amendment boosting transit funding, which
passed the House, didn't make it, but
there's a lot more high-speed rail money than either the House or (I believe)
the Senate had. Also looks
like roads lost $1 billion in the Conference.
Wisconsin had several "shovel ready" intercity rail projects that might get
funded as "high-speed rail," and might get trains to Madison sooner than
expected.
OTOH, the transit money is more critical to people's day to day lives, in the
effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and in the effort to foster more
sustainable development. So it's disappointing that funding declined. Here's
hoping Madison still gets some hybrid buses in the deal.
Modernizing Roads and Bridges
Provides $29 billion for modernizing roads and bridges, which will
create 835,000 jobs. This investment creates jobs in the short term
while saving commuters time and money in the long term.
Requires states to obligate at least half of the highway/bridge funding
within 120 days.
States have over 6,100 projects totaling over $64 billion that could be
under contract within 180 days.
Improving Public Transit and Rail
Provides $8.4 billion for investments in transit and $8 billion for
investment in high-speed rail. These investments will reduce traffic
congestion and our dependence on foreign oil.
Includes funds for new construction of commuter and light rail,
modernizing existing transit systems, and purchasing buses and
equipment to needed to increase public transportation and improve
intermodal and transit facilities.
States have 787 ready-to-go transit projects totaling about $16 billion.
Full version available here:
http://www.talkingpointsmemo.com/news/2009/02/overview_conference_report_on_american_recovery_an.php
_______________________________________________
Bikies mailing list
[email protected]
http://lists.danenet.org/listinfo.cgi/bikies-danenet.org
