Archive for the ‘Authorization Ideas’ Category
SWTA’s Comment on Senate Bill 3638 – To Establish a National Safety Plan for Public Transportation
- By Kristen Joyner on August 3, 2010
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Bill Cartwright, Tulsa Transit, was asked by one of his Senators to comment on Senate Bill 3638. Mr. Cartwright contacted SWTA for more information. Our newly formed Legislative Committee reported the following opinion,
“While development of this national safety plan has had a great deal of transit industry input, including that of APTA, and promises to improve safety for agencies, employees and riders, it is not likely to come without added cost and personnel/management requirements to transit agencies. The added costs need to be considered to help transit agencies implement the requirements this important legislation may require. It is unclear whether the possible additional cost has been adequately addressed.”
See the full Bill’s language here. Senate Bill 3638 and Senate Safety Committee Final Report
Please leave comments below.
Revenue from Draft Climate and Energy Legislation not Enough to Fund Transportation, Legislative Action Required
- By Kristen Joyner on May 14, 2010
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Senators Kerry and Lieberman Unveil Draft Climate and Energy Legislation
Senators John Kerry (D-MA) and Joseph Lieberman (I-CT) released their long-awaited climate change and energy draft legislation, “the American Power Act” (APA) on Wednesday, May 12. The discussion draft was released without the endorsement of Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC), the third member of their collaborative effort to develop a bipartisan climate bill.
A significant portion of the revenue generated from the APA would come directly from fees imposed on the production of motor fuels. These fees would likely be passed onto consumers at the gas pump, having the same impact on fuel prices as an increase in the motor fuels user fee, or gas tax. Therefore, APTA and a coalition of 26 other transportation organizations joined together to advocate that 100 percent of revenue generated from new fees on motor fuels in the bill should be returned to the transportation sector and invested under a multi-year authorization bill. To read the coalition’s letter, click here.
The APA bill directs up to $6.25 billion per year for transportation investments from revenues generated from carbon fees and emissions auctions. Based on APTA’s analysis of the legislation, a minimum of $19.5 billion in funds will be generated from motor fuels production in 2013 (the first year the bill would become effective), with that amount significantly increasing in subsequent years. This means that at least 77 percent of revenue generated from pollution fees on gasoline and diesel is diverted away from investment in transportation in the first year. In later years as the price of carbon increases, the percentage diverted could be as much as 91 percent.
Specifically, the legislation provides for the following transportation investments:
• One-third of emissions allowances capped at $2.5 billion per year will be deposited into the Highway Trust Fund (HTF).
• One-third of emissions allowances capped at $1.875 billion per year will be distributed by the Secretary of Transportation for competitive grant funding to continue the Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) program created by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).
• One-third of emissions allowances capped at $1.875 billion per year will be distributed by the Secretary of Transportation for state and local investments in transportation greenhouse gas emission reduction programs. Within this program:
o The bill requires states and cities to evaluate carbon pollution and set reduction targets when developing transportation plans.
o Of these funds 10 percent is set-aside of these funds for states and Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) to use for planning purposes.
The amounts allocated for surface transportation are far short of the levels that would be required to finance a new authorization bill, and represent a small percentage of the actual revenues derived from the production of motor fuels. In addition, the $2.5 billion annual allocation to the HTF is not enough money to keep either the Highway or Mass Transit Accounts solvent, nor does the bill contain any language regarding transit formula dollars.
| ACTION ALERT
APTA members need to contact their Senators to urge them to ensure that 100 percent of revenues generated from fees on motor fuels production in the APA are invested in transportation in order to maintain and improve our nation’s infrastructure. When you talk to your Senators and their staff, please ask the following:
• Ask your Senators to contact Senators John Kerry (D-MA) and Joseph Lieberman (I-CT) and other Senate leaders to insist that 100 percent of new fees on motor fuels detailed in the bill should be returned to the transportation sector and invested under a multi-year authorization bill.
• Inform your Senators that the current level of transportation funding in the draft bill is insufficient to maintain, much less grow, current transportation investment.
• Explain to your Senators that because the bill will raise the price of motor fuels, it will almost be impossible to finance a long-term authorization bill unless a much larger portion of the APA’s revenues are dedicated to the Highway Trust Fund.
For a sample letter to use to write your Senators click here. |
U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood Announces $775 Million In Federal Funds to Upgrade Nation’s Bus Systems
- By Kristen Joyner on May 5, 2010
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Funds are for buses, facilities and equipment
U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced that $775 million in federal funds is being made available to the nation’s transit providers to upgrade their bus systems.
“The FTA is addressing the challenge of bringing our nation’s transit systems into a state of good repair head-on,” said Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “These funds will get us started, but we still have a long way to go.”
Federal Transit Administrator Peter Rogoff on Sunday made the announcement Sunday in an address during the general session of the American Public Transportation Association’s Bus and Paratransit Conference in Cleveland, Ohio.
“Well maintained, clean and reliable buses make a world of difference to the millions of Americans who use transit every day,” Administrator Rogoff said. “The Obama Administration is making these funds available to ensure that financially strapped transit providers can keep buses rolling and serving the public during these difficult economic times.”
FTA will review applications for the discretionary bus and bus facility funds, and will prioritize proposals based on how they address the issue of the transit system’s state of good repair and recapitalization needs.
Eligible expenses for the funds include purchase and rehabilitation of buses and vans, modernization of buses, bus facilities and revenue service facilities, bus-related equipment and components of transit asset management plans. Deadline for applications is June 18, 2010. Grantees are expected to be announced in late summer 2010.
The Notice of Funding Availability includes instructions on submitting applications for the funds.
SWTA’s Position on Transit Operating Assistance
- By Kristen Joyner on April 2, 2010
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South West Transit Association Takes Supportive, but Cautious Position
on Transit Operating Assistance
Austin, TX (March 31, 2010) – In an effort to ease the strain of the lack of funding for many struggling transit agencies, the South West Transit Association (SWTA) Board met on Tuesday, March 30, 2010 to discuss the merits of providing federal operating assistance for small and large urban agencies who do not currently have the flexibility of using federal funding for operations. The Board also addressed the needs of rural properties whose federal funding is controlled by State Departments of Transportation (DOT).
The SWTA Board dealt with the issue by proposing three motions. The first was to state that any additional ARRA, Jobs, Stimulus (or the like) grants should include a flexible provision for operating assistance for any transit agency receiving those funds.
The second motion stated that the operating assistance available under 5311 should be expanded so that systems no longer have to produce matching funds. The federal funding for operating assistance would go from a 50% level up to 100%. The second part of the motion held that the 5310 program should be enlarged to include an operating assistance provision.
The third motion addressed urban transit providers that receive 5307 formula funds. The SWTA Board believes that the next Surface Transportation bill should include a provision that allows one year of operating assistance money for all 5307 agencies, if they choose to use the funding in this manner.
Secretary Ray LaHood seems to agree with this position. On March 16, 2010, the Secretary wrote in his Fastlane Blog, “I told the APTA audience that I’m open to proposed legislation that would allow transit funds–historically reserved for capital projects–to be used for operating assistance. But, if we do go down that road, we must find the right balance; we must maintain a state of good repair while ensuring the people who run our transit systems can be supported.”
And again on March 26, 2010, Secretary LaHood wrote, “Accordingly, I will work with members of the House and Senate this year to see if we can allow transit agencies more flexibility to use a portion of their federal funds to cover operating costs during these tough economic times. Now, this cannot be a blank check. There must be limits. And clearly, we’re talking about temporary assistance, not the normal course of business. But for right now, we should do what we can to keep our trains and buses operating, to keep people working, and to keep people getting to the jobs they need so badly. We need to support this industry so it can help families meet their daily needs all across the country.”
Some SWTA Board members expressed deep concern about union representatives taking advantage of the availability of flexible dollars to use that funding for raises instead of the dire need to just keep the system running. Others expressed a concern that the states would reduce funding of transit if federal dollars became available for operating assistance. It was reported by Phil Washington, General Manager/CEO, Denver RTD, that Colorado transit agencies have already lost their state funding. Jim Dickey, incoming Executive Director, Arizona Transit Association and formerly with the Arizona State DOT, told the SWTA Board that the state of Arizona passed a law recently that eliminates all funding for public transportation by the state.
After a robust discussion, all three motions passed. In addition to the three motions, SWTA continues to fully support the 100 Bus Coalition proposal for operating assistance for all transit systems over 200,000 in population operating less than100 buses during peak hours.
The official position of the South West Transit Association is that operating assistance is necessary for some transit agencies and can be used effectively and wisely at the local level to keep transit systems running for the good of the communities we serve.
The South West Transit Association (SWTA) is a regional transit association representing: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Kansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas. SWTA was formed in 1979 to represent transit agencies and others interested in public transit issues. SWTA’s mission is to assist members in maintaining and improving their ability to provide quality public transportation services by providing a community of education, communication and advocacy.
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Report from the APTA Legislative Meeting Held 12.4.09
- By Kristen Joyner on December 8, 2009
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APTA Legislative Committee
Meeting was at Liaison Capital Hotel
9:00 AM, December 4, 2009
Opening welcome by Committee Chairman Bill Volk and APTA President Bill Millar.
Matt Welbes, FTA Executive Director addressed the Committee on a variety of issues, including Administration’s request for an 18 month extension in the authorizing bill and how supportive the administration was of transit. He spent considerable time outlining the recently announced Livability Initiative Grants. There is $130 million available for streetcar and BRT projects and $150 million for bus and bus facilities. No change in criteria in bus and bus facilities from previous years, but he outlined issues with the streetcar and BRT funding. Such a project must already be finished with Alternative Analysis and be environmentally cleared in an Environmental Impact Statement or these must be underway or be able to show substantial progress in order to be eligible for these funds.
Bill Millar led the Committee in an extensive discussion of Operating Assistance. A set of “Summary Points” was handed out and comments taken. Then a small group developed a refined summary and that was adopted by the Legislative Committee that calls for a new temporary pot of money to be created off budget just for Operating Assistance which could not be used for wage increases. The Committee reaffirmed its support for permanent operating assistance for systems under 100 buses.
The Alternative Fuels Tax Credit lapses at end of this year. It still may be extended or re-enacted after the first of the year.
FRA is developing an NPRM on Positive Train Control. (for Commuter Rail)
The Committee discussed the issue of distribution of the bus capital funding. While having adopted some of the APTA position, Congress is proposing to distribute the bus capital funds in a way so that some of it would go to rail programs. I expressed concern on this and asked APTA to work hard to get the APTA (and SWTA) position adopted by Congress.
Respectively,
Dick Ruddell
Senators Propose $4 Billion for Transit-Oriented Development Grants
- By Kristen Joyner on August 6, 2009
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by Elana Schor on August 6, 2009
Making good on a vow first reported in Streetsblog Capitol Hill, Senate Banking Committee Chairman Chris Dodd (D-CT) and three colleagues today offered a bill authorizing $4 billion in grants to help states and cities pursue transit-oriented development, bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, and other green transport projects.
The legislation aims to put some teeth in the goals of the inter-agency Sustainable Communities effort that the Obama administration launched earlier this year. Dodd’s plan would create an office within the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to spearhead the work and administer two new competitive grant programs.The first, slated for $400 million over four years, would help states and cities implement regional plans that integrate sustainable housing, transportation, and community development.
The second, slated for $3.75 billion over three years, would assist localities in making their plans materialize, from affordable housing to bike-ped access. Both grant programs would need to be separately funded through appropriations bills, but authorizing the spending is a crucial first step.
The bill is co-sponsored by Banking panel Democrats Robert Menendez (NJ), Michael Bennet (CO), and Jeff Merkley (OR). Here is Dodd’s statement on the measure:
As our communities grow, people are commuting longer distances on more crowded roadways. Those are precious hours they could be spending with their families, and precious dollars wasted on gas. We must change the way we plan for the future of our communities and tackle these challenges with a coordinated strategy.
A House counterpart bill has yet to be introduced.
Growing States and 5340 – What is it?
- By Kristen Joyner on May 1, 2009
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I hear often, “What is 5340 and how does it affect me?”
The 5340 fund was placed in SAFTEA-LU with the goal of proactively benefitting High Growth areas that need to expand service. The bill was introduced, but support for the 5340 fund came only if a provision for High Density was also included. The fund is distributed at a level of 50% density, 50% high growth and follow 5307/5311 guidelines. 5340 has not had the intended affect for High Growth areas. The total 5340 fund equals $49.4 billion.
5340 Real Facts Impact on the Nation – PowerPoint
(also download the Updated chart below)
A chart has been created that shows the Urbanized areas across the US, what each received in Authorization funds in FY2008 and what each area would have received if 5340 did not exist. The eight SWTA states lost $14.2 million as a result of this fund. As a matter of fact, 5340 negatively affected 43 states!
Updated, Easier to Read 5340 supporting data
5340 UZA Chart (pdf)
The UZA chart is set up by Urbanized area. Column D* is what FTA reported that each UZA received in FY08. Column E** is the estimated amount that would have been received had the funds from the 5340 fund been distributed purely as a part of 5307/5311. Column F is the difference between those two columns. At the end of the document are the state totals. Any negative number shown would have been a loss to the UBZ or state. The positive numbers are what could have been.
As you will see, the high-density state funds go to states with population density of more than 370 people per square mile. But every state receives the “growing states apportionments”.
Cal Marsella, Denver RTD, comments, “Those properties with higher densities have better positioned markets to serve. Those of us with lower densities need more transit investments to get higher densities.”
SWTA believes it would be more beneficial to have the $49.4 billion from the 5340 fund distributed into 5307/5311 as a part of the normal formula, increasing general funding for all. SWTA members have begun discussions with their own elected officials and we are working with transit agencies and state transit associations to encourage them to do the same.
Making this change will not be easy. It will take a unified effort and South West Transit Association (SWTA) is willing to lead the way. California Transit Association is supporting this effort as are individual transit properties across the country.
Resolution 5340-texas
Authorization Guiding Principles – Arizona
Contact SWTA for more information or to add your name to the letter of support being developed for Congress.
2009 Senate Banking and T and I Committee Members
FTA Powerpoint for ARRA – Stimulus Bill Update
- By Kristen Joyner on April 30, 2009
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Please see the most up-to-date information from the FTA regarding the ARRA (Stimulus Bill).
The player will show in this paragraph
Click on the screen to see the 4/29/09 Lunch-N-Learn Webinar on ARRA and TIGGER. Adjust volume and screen size on the right side of the screen.
Major Dealines for ARRA (3/17/09)
CORRECTED ARRA Overview from FTA (3/16/09)
ARRA Presentation by FTA to APTA (3/11/09)
ARRA Rules – Federal Register
FTA ARRA Implementation PPT
Link to updated FTA Word Document
Economic Recovery Act Side-by-Side Review
- By Kristen Joyner on January 29, 2009
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The Economic Recovery Stimulus Bills put forth by the Senate and the House have been compared in a side-by-side document, ready for you to review. This document was provided by APTA. I would like to see feedback on the SWTA website of your opinions.
Final Economic Recovery Act side-by-side review
One glaring piece in the Senate bill is the additional money that is for Growing States & High-Density States. You will remember this as 5340. While the SWTA region is growing, and at a faster rate than the rest of the country, analysis has proven that any money set aside as 5340 hurts the SWTA region as a whole. It does not benefit. The Senate has suggested 19% or $6.1 billion should be provided as 5340 funds. This could be a negotiation point for some of your Senators.
Travel Changes Demonstrate Need for New Way to Fund Transportation
- By Kristen Joyner on October 24, 2008
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New August Data Show Americans Drove 15 Billion Fewer Miles than a Year Ago, U.S. Transportation Secretary Mary Peters Announces
DALLAS – New federal data show Americans are continuing a ten-month long decline in driving habits, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Mary Peters announced today. The decline is putting new pressure on the way road, bridge and transit projects are funded at a time of record growth in transit ridership, showing the need for a new approach for funding transportation construction, she added
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DOT Secretary Mary Peters speaking at Deep Ellum Station on October 24 with DART Board Chairman Randall Chrisman (left) and DART President/Executive Director Gary Thomas
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DOT Secretary Mary Peters talking with DART President/Executive Director Gary Thomas (left) and DART Board Chairman Randall Chrisman |
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DOT Secretary Mary Peters at Deep Ellum Station with DART President/Executive Director Gary Thomas (left) and DART Board Chairman Randall Chrisman
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“We pay for transit the same way we pay for road and bridge projects – with federal gas taxes,” said Secretary Peters who made the announcement during a visit to a light rail station under construction in Dallas. “Relying on the gas tax is like relying on cardboard to keep the rain out – the longer you use it the less it works.”
In August 2008, Americans drove 15 billion fewer miles, or 5.6 percent less, than they did in August 2007, Secretary Peters said. She added that over the past ten months, Americans have driven 78 billion fewer miles than they did in the same ten months the previous year. Texans alone drove 1.3 million fewer miles, the Secretary added.
Transit ridership, meanwhile, saw an increase of 6.2 percent this summer compared to last, said Secretary Peters. In Texas, the DART rail system saw an increase of 15 percent this summer, one of the largest in its 12-year history, she noted.
She said that since 2001, the Department has invested over 8 billion dollars to finance over 280 miles worth of new transit lines, which, taken together would be 25 percent longer than the New York City subway system. She warned that future projects, however, could be at risk if we continue to rely on gas taxes to fund transit construction.
She said a plan to significantly reform federal transportation policy the Administration unveiled earlier this year would address that challenge by making it easier for states to attract new sources of funding for transportation projects. “With this new approach to funding transportation projects, we can ensure that Big D has Grade-A transit service for years to come.”
To review the FHWA’s “Traffic Volume Trends” reports for August 2008, visit http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/ohim/tvtw/tvtpage.htm. (Link opens in a new window)
