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Reauthorization Top
Topic at Legislative Conference
Prospects for this year's reauthorization of the federal
highway and transit programs were the centerpiece of the AASHTO Washington
Briefing February 26-28, which drew more than 400
attendees.
National Governors Association Chairman Governor Paul E.
Patton (D-KY) described the nation's transportation needs as a "silent
crisis" that should be addressed in reauthorization. Patton outlined the
goals of the NGA in the upcoming reauthorization, including increasing
funding and flexibility, retaining and revising the Revenue Aligned Budget
Authority, and improving safety. Citing the recently passed transportation
appropriations bill, which continued highway obligations at some $31.8
billion, he praised the commitment of members of Congress to supporting
transportation investment.
Federal Highway Administrator Mary
Peters emphasized the need to retain the funding guarantee principles of
the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century, warning "It's not a
given." While the Administration's proposal is still under review by the
Office of Management and Budget, Peters said that the Administration would
propose $247 billion for highways and transit over six years, including an
annual $1 billion initiative for ready-to-go projects. She said that
"every dollar collected into the highway account of the Highway Trust
Fund" during the reauthorization period would be obligated, and that the
Administration would also propose to draw down the balance of the Highway
Trust Fund by some $6 billion.
Other panels during the conference
included Congressional staff of House and Senate authorizing and
appropriations committees, transportation advocates and observers. Rep.
Thomas Petri (R-WI) Chairman of the House Highways, Transit and Pipelines
Subcommittee, was to speak on Friday.
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