Transportation

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.

Washington, May 18 — In a Federal Register notice today, the Department of Transportation (DOT) announced the availability of $1.5 billion in grant funding for the Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery, or TIGER, grant program, as well as interim rules on the operation of the program and a request for comments from transportation stakeholders. Applications for the new grant program, which was authorized by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Pub. L. 111-5), are due Sept. 15, 2009. Comments on the newly issued program rules must be submitted by June 1, 2009.

Washington, April 16 – The Federal Highway Administration continues to ready itself to oversee the expenditure of tens of billions of dollars in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding.

Washington, April 16 — Lost amid the scramble by public transportation agencies to obligate and spend American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA; Pub. L. 111-5) funds for existing transportation programs in the timely manner dictated by the law is a brand-new grant created by the ARRA to fight greenhouse gas emissions and curb energy use. And although this new program was signed into law less than two months ago, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) is wasting no time in establishing program rules and soliciting applications.

Washington, April 9 – As state governments gear up to submit their applications for the $8 billion in capital grants for rail projects under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the Federal Railroad Administration is clarifying the application process and updating states on new guidance information.

Washington, April 6 – The widening of a Utah highway, the rehabilitation of a bridge in Vermont and the resurfacing of a heavily trafficked Maryland stretch of road represent three of more than 1,000 transportation projects already underway, paid for by the $787 billion Recovery Act.