Transportation

Washington, Aug. 12 – The Department of Transportation’s second installment of the popular Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery grants has proved every bit as sought-after as the original funding allocation provided in last year’s American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

Washington, July 23 – Poor data and outdated regulations are hampering the Federal Highway Administration’s efforts to ensure that states effectively use federal funds to repair their most deficient bridges, a key official with the Department of Transportation’s Office of Inspector General recently told a congressional panel.

Washington, June 2 – As part of its American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding, the Department of Transportation is reporting that it has awarded $80 million to develop large scale high-speed rail systems across the country and update existing passenger rail services.

Washington, March 31 – The latest report issued by the House committee charged with oversight of federal transportation and infrastructure spending shows that grants funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act have nearly run their course, with work in progress or already complete for most of the projects financed by the law.

Washington, March 31 – The Federal Highway Administration is offering its grantees some assistance in completing their American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Section 1512 quarterly reports.

Washington, Feb. 26 – Neglecting to follow grantor agency policies for complying with applicable federal laws can derail even the best planned project. Just ask the Bay Area Rapid Transit District in California, which just lost out on $70 million for a project it had been working on for years. Grantees are reminded to stay abreast of any agency policy changes that could affect their program and to respond accordingly.

Washington, Feb. 18 – As the one-year anniversary of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Pub. L. 111-5) passes, the American Association of State and Highway Transportation Officials is touting the progress and jobs created, while advocating for more long-term transportation funding from Congress.

Washington, Nov. 30 – The Department of Transportation reached an important milestone in November when it announced that grantees have obligated funds for more than 10,000 transportation projects funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

Washington, May 27 – States are looking to innovative and fast ways to spend federal stimulus dollars on transportation projects before the end of June. While many states plan to use the majority of the funding to fix bridges and roads, others are planning to fund Intelligent Transportation Systems, which could help the environment and reduce traffic congestion.

Washington, May 22 – To reduce risks stemming from awarding grants and contracts quickly under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, Department of Transportation officials have been advised to revise their debarment and suspension policy and assign a specific office to monitor implementation and compliance with the policy.