Offices: NCSL Headquarters, 7700 East First Place, Denver, CO 80230 State-Federal Relations, 444 N. Capitol Street, NW, Suite 515, Washington, DC 20001
Congress Avoids a Shutdown
On March 21, Congress passed a
continuing resolution (CR) to fund the
federal government through the end of FY
2013. This CR—unlike the one passed
last September—increases transportation
funding to be consistent with the
authorizations approved in MAP-21 last
July. But it does not address the $85
billion in cuts due to sequestration, so the
U.S. Department of Transportation will
face nearly $2 billion in cuts, according to
Secretary LaHood. Also in March, the
House and Senate passed their respective
FY 2014 budget resolutions. For a
complete breakdown of FY 2013
transportation funding, the impact of the
sequester, and the possible effects of the
House and Senate FY 2014 budget
resolutions, please see NCSL’s detailed
Info Alert.
Breakfast with the Secretary
On March 15 at NCSL’s Legislative
Leaders meeting in Washington, D.C.,
U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray
LaHood met with NCSL members to
discuss the future of transportation. The
Federal News and Trends . 1 2
NCSL Spring Forum ............... 3
Transit Ridership .................... 3
Virginia Transportation Bill . 4
Upcoming PPP Meetings ...... 4
New Reports ............................ 5
IN THIS ISSUE:
TRANSPORT REPORT
April 2013 Volume 4: Issue 3
News, Trends and Analysis Provided by NCSL’s Transportation Programs
FEDERAL TRANSPORTATION
NEWS AND TRENDS
Secretary spoke of the need to consider
all options for future transportation funding
and the growing role of the private sector
in transportation infrastructure, especially
after the significant expansion of the
Transportation Infrastructure Finance and
Innovation Act (TIFIA) program last year.
Photo: U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood at NCSL’s Legislative Leaders Meeting on March 15, flanked by NCSL President, Speaker Terie
Norelli (N.H.), and NCSL President Elect, Senator Bruce Starr (Ore.).
Following these remarks, NCSL members
and the Secretary engaged in a lively
discussion on a number of topics including
tolls on interstate highways, high-speed
rail and transportation funding plans at the
state level. As Secretary LaHood has
announced his decision to step down,
NCSL would like to thank the Secretary
both for his service and for taking time to
meet with state legislators and understand
the transportation issues facing states.
Ben Husch
State-Federal Relations
NCSL-D.C.
202-624-7779
Jaime Rall
Transportation Program
NCSL-Denver
303-856-1417
NCSL CONTACTS:
2
Committee Approves WRDA
On March 20, the Senate Environment
and Public Works Committee approved a
reauthorization of the Water Resources
Development Act (WRDA). Consistent
with NCSL policy, the bill would ensure
that all annual harbor maintenance trust
fund receipts are spent on port projects.
The bill would also provide additional
funding mechanisms for water resource
infrastructure; create a commission to help
clear the backlog of approved projects;
and apply environmental streamlining
provisions to U.S. Army Corps of Engineer
projects. The bill is expected on the
Senate floor this spring, but it’s unclear
when it will be taken up in the House.
Discussions about overhauling the Inland
Waterways Trust Fund are ongoing.
Sandy Relief Starts to Flow
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA)
released $390 million on March 6 and
$164.2 million on March 19 in disaster
relief, to reimburse local transit agencies
for expenses related to Hurricane Sandy.
On Feb. 15, the FTA had established an
Emergency Relief Docket so grantees and
subgrantees affected by national or
regional emergencies in 2013 could ask
for relief from certain FTA requirements.
FCC Has "Smart Vehicle"
Advocates Worried
On Feb. 20, the Federal Communications
Commission approved a notice that it will
propose regulations to increase the radio
spectrum in the 5 GHz band by 35
percent. Some highway safety and
transportation technology planners worry
that such a move could lead to signal
interference in the 5.9 GHz band, which is
being used to develop “smart” safety
systems for cars and trucks.
President Calls for Trust Fund to
Promote Alternative Vehicles
On March 15, President Obama called for
the creation of an Energy Security Trust
Fund that would set aside $2 billion over
10 years to help develop alternative fuel
vehicles. The president’s plan also
includes credits for alternative fuel trucks
for five years. Funds would be set aside
from oil and gas development in federal
waters of the Outer Continental Shelf;
White House staff have clarified that the
plan does not include opening the Arctic
National Wildlife Refuge for drilling.
PTC Faces Additional Delay
On Feb. 27, the Association of American
Railroads told the National Transportation
Safety Board that fully implementing
interoperable positive train control (PTC)
before the congressionally mandated
2015 deadline is still not possible.
Toyota Agrees to Settlement on
Acceleration Issues
On Feb. 14, Toyota Motor Corp. agreed to
pay $29 million in a multistate settlement
of allegations that it did not disclose
unintended acceleration problems in
specific Toyota and Lexus vehicles.
Did you know?
The Transportation
Infrastructure
Finance and
Innovation Act
(TIFIA) program
(mentioned on p. 1)
provides federal
loans, loan
guarantees and
lines of credit for
transportation
projects. TIFIA can
help advance large-
scale highway,
transit, railroad,
intermodal freight
and port projects
that otherwise might
be delayed or
deferred. The
program is slated to
provide $750 million
of assistance in FY
2013 and $1 billion
in FY 2014.
3
by r
Transit ridership hit near-historic highs in
2012, according to the American Public
Transportation Association. Last year saw
10.5 billion individual rides on transit—154
million more than in 2011. In the past 50
years, only 2008 had more riders, when
record gas prices encouraged commuters
to hop onto buses and trains. Light rail
systems saw the largest rise in ridership in
2012: 4.5 percent nationwide, with double-
digit jumps in Memphis, Dallas, Los
Angeles, Salt Lake City and Pittsburgh.
Ridership was also up for buses, heavy
and commuter rail, and paratransit.
With hundreds of new and expanded
transit systems being built across the U.S.,
states and communities are supporting
transit-oriented development to bolster
ridership and spur economic development.
Decreased federal support may lead to
fare hikes (such as those being proposed
in Maryland) to try and keep the systems
solvent. Other communities are looking at
lowering fares to keep or attract riders.
NCSL’S SPRING FORUM: A PEAK PERSPECTIVE IN THE MILE HIGH CITY
At NCSL’s Spring Forum, you'll hear from national experts, find the NCSL research you need to turn your ideas into action, and help guide NCSL's advocacy efforts on behalf of the states.
This year: Learn about the infrastructure deficit and 2013 state proposals to pay for transportation projects.
EARLY BIRD RATES AVAILABLE THROUGH APRIL 15!
ALL ABOARD: TRANSIT RIDERSHIP IS UP
Did you know?
NCSL's new
meeting agendas
allow you to sort the
sessions by track,
topic or NCSL
committee.
Wondering what
sessions are on
offer at this year's
Spring Forum
concerning state
budgets, K-12
education, jobs,
pensions, energy
supply and other hot
topics? Check out
the new agenda
here.
4
As cars become more fuel-efficient and
fewer people drive, states are faced with a
problem: How to continue funding crucial
transportation and infrastructure projects
with diminishing revenues from state
gasoline taxes. In February, the Virginia
legislature met this challenge head on.
Lawmakers there passed a transportation
reform bill that the Washington Post called
“historic.” Hear the March 22 NCSL
StateCast, in which NCSL’s Jon Kuhl
discusses the bipartisan legislation with
Virginia House Speaker Bill Howell.
TFI- NEWS US P3 Transport Finance Investors Forum April 18, 2013 | New York, New York
Limited number of complimentary places for NCSL members!
TFI-News is holding its US P3 Transport Finance Investors Forum on April 18, 2013. At this
one-day briefing, leading developers and investors will meet with state DOTs and transit
agencies to discuss public-private partnerships (PPPs or P3s) and private finance in the U.S.
transportation market. TFI-News is offering a limited number of complimentary places
for NCSL members (legislators or legislative staff). For details, contact Jim Reed at NCSL.
9th Annual US P3 Infrastructure Forum 2013
June 18-19, 2013 | Crowne Plaza, Times Square, New York
Reduced registration rate available to NCSL members!
The US P3 Infrastructure Forum, organized by InfraAmericas, is the premier annual
gathering about public-private partnerships for infrastructure developers, investors,
financiers, state and federal public officials and regional transportation authorities. Now in its
ninth year, the forum attracts over 350 key public and private sector participants every year.
InfraAmericas is offering a reduced registration rate for NCSL members (legislators or
legislative staff). For more information or to register, contact Kate Salkeld at InfraAmericas.
NCSL INTERVIEWS VIRGINIA SPEAKER HOWELL
ABOUT HISTORIC TRANSPORTATION BILL
UPCOMING PPP MEETING OPPORTUNITIES
FOR NCSL MEMBERS
Free NCSL Traffic Safety Webinar on
April 3!
Join us for an NCSL webinar on how states can access new federal traffic safety grants—and how your state can become eligible for these grants before the July 1 deadline. The webinar will be on Wed., April 3, at 2 pm ET/ 1 pm CT/ noon MT/ 11 am PT. NCSL webinars are free for legislators and legislative staff.
5
2013 Report Card for America's Infrastructure
Every four years, the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) evaluates
U.S. infrastructure; the 2013 Report Card still gives near-failing grades, but
roads, rail and bridges have improved. New in this year’s report card: state-
by-state data and case studies of initiatives that are making a difference.
Top Ten OIG Recommendations for the U.S. Dept. of Transportation
In March, the U.S. DOT Inspector General testified before the House
Committee on Oversight and Government Reform with 10 recommendations
to ensure stewardship, protect investments and enhance safety.
Public Transportation Ridership Report: Fourth Quarter 2012
The American Public Transportation Association’s latest ridership report
records 10.5 billion trips taken on U.S. mass transit in 2012—the second
highest annual ridership since 1957, despite the impact of Hurricane Sandy.
Teenage Driver Fatalities by State: 2012 Preliminary Data
This Governor's Highway Safety Association report indicates that fatalities
were higher for 16- and 17-year-old drivers in the first half of 2012, compared
to a year before—and offers possible reasons why.
Railroad Safety Statistics: 2012 Preliminary Data
Preliminary 2012 data from the Federal Railroad Administration shows fewer
train-vehicle accidents and injuries, but more deaths and injuries resulting
from rail trespass incidents, compared to 2011.
Light-Duty Automotive Technology, Carbon Dioxide Emissions and Fuel
Economy Trends: 1975 Through 2012
This Environmental Protection Agency report concludes—among other
trends—that the fuel economy of cars and trucks sold in the U.S. hit a record
high in 2012 at 23.8 miles per gallon, up 16 percent from 2011.
NEW TRANSPORTATION REPORTS
How to Get the NCSL Transport Report: More than 2,000 federal, state, local and private
sector transportation stakeholders receive this newsletter each month. If you'd like to get
NCSL’s Transport Report in your inbox, e-mail [email protected] with your contact details.
All our past issues are online at http://www.ncsl.org/default.aspx?tabid=21636.
Did you know?
NCSL Standing
Committees develop
the policy directives
and resolutions on
state-federal issues
that guide NCSL's
lobbying efforts in
Washington, D.C.
If you are an NCSL
committee member
and you want to
submit a new policy
directive or an
amendment to
existing policy for
consideration at
NCSL's Spring
Forum, please
submit it to dc-
by 5 p.m. ET on
April 4, 2013.
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