|
SAFETEA-LU Expires in 2009
Now is the time to get involved! We have tools available that make it easy for you to make a difference in the future of federal transportation funding. Just click on these links:
Send a message to the Minnesota Congressional Delegation
Ask your city and county to pass a resolution of support
Send a Letter to Editor to your local newspaper
Talking Points
Alliance Report – A New Federal Partnership: Minnesota’s priorities for the new surface transportation authorization act
The current transportation authorization act, SAFETEA-LU, will expire on September 30, 2009. Congress needs to take action by the end of September to keep transportation programs in operation and funds flowing to the states.
Congressman Jim Oberstar from Minnesota’s 8th Congressional District and Chair of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee has introduced the Surface Transportation Authorization Act of 2009 new, transformational six-year surface transportation authorization bil that significantly increases funding for highways, highway safety, and transit while reorganizing and streamlining federal programs. The bill emphasizes the need to move projects more quickly and more efficiently while addressing the lack of investment in our infrastructure. This legislation has been passed by the Highways and Transit Subcommittee of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and will be taken up by the full committee shortly after Congress returns from the August recess.
The Obama Administration has proposed an 18-month extension of the current act, SAFETEA-LU as the way to keep transportation programs from shutting down. This delay could easily stretch beyond 18 months and will cause great uncertainty regarding the future of federal funds – delaying planning and initial work on major projects. Prior to the passage of SAFETEA-LU in 2005 (over two years late), Congress passed 12 continuing resolutions in order to maintain the distribution of highway and transit dollars to states and keep projects funded.
The Minnesota Transportation Alliance, along with many other organizations around the country including the American Road and Transportation Builders Association, the Transportation Construction Coalition, the US Chamber of Commerce and labor unions all oppose an 18-month delay in dealing with our transportation needs.
The drop in receipts from the federal tax on heavy trucks and gas tax has necessitated an infusion of funds from the general fund just to keep the Highway Trust Fund solvent. In July, Congress approved and the President signed legislation transferring $7 billion to the Highway Trust Fund to keep the highway program funded through the end of September, 2009. In addition to the lack of funds, the expiration of SAFETEA-LU means that the authorization to continue spending funds out of the Highway Trust Fund also ends.
Congress must take action in September or the transportation program will shut down.
Members of the Minnesota Delegation need to hear from YOU! Let them know:
- Action on the Surface Transportation Authorization Act of 2009 is needed to follow-up on the economic stimulus law (American Recovery and Reinvestment Act). A transportation bill will create jobs and stimulate economic recovery. A transportation bill is the real “second stimulus.”
- Action is needed by colleagues on the House Ways and Means and Senate Finance Committees. Congress needs to make generating sufficient revenue for a $450 billion bill a top priority.
- Real Minnesota communities, businesses and workers need the stability that comes with a 6-year transportation authorization. Delay will lead to layoffs and deferred purchases.
|
