Policy
Pending Legislation
NARC Testimony and Communication
Administration Actions
SAFETEA-LU Implementation Summary Table
FHWA and FTA Publish Illustrative Examples of SAFETEA-LU Planning
Proposals
Links
NARC Transportation Staff monitor the Administration and Congress for legislation that affects COGs and MPOs. This page will allow you to view a quick summary of NARC's transportation policy and take action on issues that are important to you.
Updated February 28, 2008
President Signs Temporary FAA Authorization Extension NARC Joins Other Groups Urging States Not to Disproportionately Rescind CMAQ Dollars The US Troop Readiness, Veterans’ Care, Katrina Recovery, and Iraq Accountability Appropriations Act, 2007 (PL 110- 028) was singed into law on May 25, 2007 and calls for a rescission of $871 million in transportation funds. States have until next Friday, July 20, 2007 to determine which funds will be rescinded. NARC joined the Diesel Technology Forum and the Emissions Control Technology Association, as well as other interested groups signing onto to a letter urging states not to disproportionately target CMAQ funds in their rescissions. The letter was sent to governors in 15 states and the Mayor of the District that traditionally rescinded the largest amount of their CMAQ dollars. To view a copy of one of the letters, please click here. Below is a list of the Governor’s offices that received letters: Governor of Governor of Governor of Mayor of the Governor of Governor of Governor of Governor of Governor of Governor of Governor of Governor of Governor of the Governor of Governor of Governor of NARC Issues Statement Supporting Rail Initiatives
On May 7, 2007 NARC issued a statement of support for HR 2125, legislation ensuring competition in the rail industry through preservation of existing rail-to-rail competition and enabling customers to obtain reliable service and for HR 2095, legislation reauthorizing the Federal Railroad Administration and improving rail safety. Letters were set to Chairman Oberstar (D-MN) and Reps. Baker (R-LA) and Brown (D-FL) for both HR 2125 and HR 2095 respectively. For copies of the letters, visit the government affairs section of the website at http://narc.org/legislation/policy-statements-and-testimony.html and see letters listed for May 7. NARC Joins AAR and Others in Support of Freight Rail Infrastructure Capacity Expansion Act (S 1125)
President Bush signed into law today a temporary authorization for the Federal Aviation Administration, whose current authorization expires February 29th. HR 5270 authorizes the agency to collect ticket and fuel taxes, as well as obligate the money collected, and through June 30th. This represents another in a string of extensions enacted for the agency since its last long-term reauthorization (PL 108-176) expired Sept. 30th.
Beyond extending the FAA’s authority to collect and spend revenue, HR 5270 also extends through June 30th the agency’s authority to issue new contracts ($2.76 billion in AIP contract authority) for airport projects. The measure also would restore some airports’ eligibility for the Essential Air Service (EAS) program, which had expired at the end of September, and provides subsidies for air carriers into small communities.
Very little progress has been made in reaching an agreement a four-year reauthorization due to disagreements on how to raise revenue to pay for a new air traffic control system.
The House has passed a four-year measure (HR 2881) on September 20, 2007, but the Senate continues to wrangle over a draft approved by the Senate Commerce Committee (S 1300) and a draft approved by the Senate Finance Committee (S 2345).
Today, the National Association of Regional Councils (NARC) issued a statement of support for the Freight Rail Infrastructure Capacity Expansion Act (S 1125), which intends to provide incentives to expand rail infrastructure and help ease highway congestion to assist in meeting the 67 percent spike in freight traffic predicted by the Department of Transportation by the year 2020. NARC joins the Association of American Railroads (AAR) and many other organizations as a supporter of this legislation.
Freight and goods movement is at the heart of the American economy. The nation’s $1.75 trillion transportation infrastructure makes it possible to move $6 trillion worth of freight each year. Transportation services make up a substantial portion of the economy—about 11 percent of the gross domestic product. Over 13 million people work directly or indirectly in transportation services.
Despite the importance of freight and goods movement to the economy, investment in the system has lagged behind amounts needed to accommodate growth. To simply maintain the nation’s already crowded interstates and highways at their current level of service, about $34 billion more is needed per year. Even more money is needed to actually improve road conditions for motorists and truckers. Railroads will need to invest up to $175 billion over the next 20 years, principally through private financing sources. The Freight Rail Infrastructure Capacity Expansion Act is a step towards a larger solution.
Promoting heavy rail as a way to move both goods and passengers continues to be a priority for NARC’s multi-modal transportation program. NARC also continues to support and work with Class I, II, and III railroads as a means to ease cross country and intercity container congestion. Utilizing our massive rail infrastructure and infusing new capital into maintenance and new track is a needed component of a national freight policy.
To learn more about the freight rail tax credit, please visit the Association of American Railroads website.
To view the list of supporters, please click here.
House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Aviation Holds Hearing on the Essential Air Service Program (EAS) and the Small Community Air Service Development Program.
NARC attended a hearing yesterday, Wednesday, April 25 on the Essential Air Service (EAS) Program and the Small Community Air Service Development Program. The EAS Program was developed in response to airline deregulation in 1978 to guarantee small communities would be served by certified air carriers and maintain a minimal level of service. This program is the main link between rural communities and the national air transportation system. The small community program began in 2002 to provide grant-in-aid financial assistance to small communities to improve their air service.
There were three panels of witnesses and testimony was received by the following individuals:
- Representative Terry Everett (R-AK)
- Representative Mike Thompson (D-CA)
- Gerald Dillingham – Director, Physical Infrastructure Issues, Government Accountability Office
- Michael Reynolds – Deputy Assistant Secretary of Transportation for Aviation and International Affairs
- Faye Malarkey – Vice President, Legislative Affairs, Regional Airline Association
- Bill Hansell - Commissioner,
- David N. Edwards – Director, Asheville Regional Airport, Asheville, NC, and Chairman, Small Airport Committee, Airports Council international North America
- Mark Courtney – Director,
- Robert Grierson – Manager,
More information on the hearing, including full testimony from each of the witnesses is available at http://transportation.house.gov/hearings/hearingdetail.aspx?NewsID=160.
These programs are being considered as part of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization, which expires in September 2007.
Currently, the EAS program is being funded through the 2007 continuing resolution at approximately $110 million, the same as funding enacted in 2006. The Administration’s FAA Reauthorization proposal is calling for a reduction in overall funding for the program, capping it at a maximum of $50 million per year. This is $60 million less than current funding levels. With a reduction in funding, half of the participating communities would be dropped, cutting off vital air service for many rural areas. Other program changes proposed by the administration include capping EAS communities to those receiving subsidized air service and ranking all subsidized communities by driving miles to the nearest large or medium hub airport with the most isolated receiving services first.
Yesterday’s comments made to and questions asked of witnesses by the House Aviation Subcommittee indicate that they consider these programs the lifeblood of many rural communities by connecting them to the larger transportation network. With the Subcommittees endorsement for these programs, policy changes and funding levels established during the FAA reauthorization process are likely to include continued support for airline services in our country’s rural communities.
NARC supports additional funding for the EAS Program, as well as policy changes that will enhance and expand air service in rural areas. With FAA Reauthorization slated as one of NARC’s 2007 legislative priorities, we will continue to closely monitor and advocate on federal aviation issues that are of interest to regional councils. More information on FAA reauthorization will be provided to you once it is available. If you have questions, please contact
The 109th Congress has adjourned. All bills under consideration by the 109th Congress "sunsetted" upon adjournment. The 110th Congress will convene on January 4th, 2007. New bills will be filed beginning at that time. Check back in January for an update.
Some Highlights:
HR 5689, the Technical Corrections to SAFETEA-LU Act, was not passed. This bill would have fixed a problem with the research title and made several other minor changes to SAFETEA-LU. It received the endorsement of the House and a Senate Committee, but never received floor time in the Senate.
S. 3679, The National Transportation Safety Board Reauthorization Act was approved by both chambers and signed into law. The NTSB is now authorized through 2009. In a separate action, the Senate confirmed two new members of NTSB, giving the board a full complement.
HR 5808, the Public Transportation Security Assistance Act, was not taken up by either chamber. This bill appeared to be on a fast-track toward approval, but lawmaker focus was on other security-related actions.
S. 1516, the Amtrak Reauthorization bill, did not reach the Senate floor. Late in the session, Sens. Trent Lott and Kent Conrad made a push for this bill to be heard, but with such a large quantity of unfinished business it never gained much traction. Amtrak’s prospects of reauthorization look better in the 110th Congress.
The following minor bills were being monitored by NARC, but were not acted on prior to adjournment: HR 4071 (Earmark Cancellation), S. 2388 (Establish National Infrastructure Commission), and HR 3496 (National Capital Transportation Investments Act).
Transportation Appropriations
With the close of the 109th Congress, there has been considerable confusion about the status of transportation funding. In particular, many COGs and MPOs are concerned about the status of their earmarked projects. NARC provides a summary of the different types of earmarks, our current appropriations situation, and possible scenarios for the next Congress.
This document summarizes the current situation with transportation funding for fiscal year 2007.
If your agency had earmarks in SAFETEA-LU, funding for these projects will be stable and secure under all but the most unlikely of scenarios. However, if your agency had earmarks in HR 5576, your earmarks have "sunsetted" and are not likely to be reintroduced. Fiscal Year 2007 Transportation Appropriations were not approved by Congress before adjournment. We are operating under a continuing resolution, which is a temporary spending measure that continues funding at previous year’s levels. The most likely scenario is for the next Congress to extend the continuing resolution for the entire FY 2007. Because the continuing resolution extends funding levels from FY 2006, substantial funding gains promised in SAFETEA-LU may not materialize.
The situation in Congress is constantly changing. NARC will continue to monitor the situation, and will report any changes to you promptly. If you have questions about a particular project, you should contact your Congressman’s district office or your state DOT.
NARC Testimony and Communication
Letter to the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee on SAFETEA-LU Technical Corrections Bill (HR 5689)
Comments to the Federal Register on the Surface Transportation Environment and Planning (STEP) Cooperative Research Program
Commentary Letter to FHWA on various transportation education programs
Letter to the National Surface Transportation Policy and Revenue Study Commission
Letter on USDOT's National Strategy to Reduce Congestion (.pdf, 81k)
Comments on Coordinated Service Delivery to the Federal Register
NARC Testimony to the Subcommittee on Highways, Transit, and Pipelines on Highway Capacity and Freight Movement
Letter Protesting the Cancellation of the National Household Travel Survey (NHTS or NPTS)
Letter on Federalism and Planning Regulations (.pdf, 60k)
Letter from NARC and six other Associations the Highway Safety Improvement Program (.pdf, 60k)
Guidance and Rulemaking for SAFETEA-LU
USDOT is in the process of drafting formal rules and guidance in compliance with SAFETEA-LU. Below, you will find a listing of documents that have been recently published or are available for public comment. NARC materials associated with each document is also listed.
Implementation Summary Table
| Program Name | Link to Guidance | Status |
| Coordinated Public Transit and Disadvantaged Programs | Link | Comments Closed. Final Due in July |
| Transit Capital Improvements | New Starts Small Starts |
Final Document NPRM Due in August |
| Planning, Environment and AQ | Link: NPRM Compliance 4(f) Permitting Planning Cycles Annual Listing |
Open for Comment Interim Guidance Implementing Guidance Clarifying Guidance Implementing Guidance |
| Highway Safety Improvement Program |
Link: SHSP |
Final Document Final Document Final Document Final Document Final Document |
| Earmarks Programs | Link: HPP Link: TI |
Implementing Guidance Implementing Guidance |
| Transportation Enhancement Activities | Link | Final Document |
| Surface Transportation Program (STP) | Link | Final Document |
Documents Open for Comment:
Notice of Proposed Rulemaking: Statewide Transportation Planning; Metropolitan Transportation
Planning, NARC comments:
-Commentary Period Closes 9/7/06
-To enter a comment on this rule, Click Here. Register and enter docket number FHWA-2005-22986.
Other Notices and Guidance:
Section 1301, Projects of National and Regional Significance
Section 1302, National Corridor Infrastructure Improvement Program
Section 1303, Coordinated Border Infrastructure Program
Section 1306, Freight Intermodal Distribution Pilot Grant Program
Interstate Oasis Program (request for comments)
Value Pricing Pilot Program (request for applications)
Major Projects Interim Guidance
Incentive Grant Program To Prohibit Racial Profiling (applications due July 1)
Implementing Transportation Conformity Provisions
Surface Transportation Environment and Planning Cooperative Research Program
Opportunities to Gain Approval to Toll Facilities Constructed with Federal Funds
Transit Program Changes (Register notice of changes)
Section 1502- Highways for Life
Section 1503- Design Build
NARC's Guide to Compliance with SAFETEA-LU
Regional Infrastructure Improvement Zones
At the 2006 NARC Annual Conference, the Transportation Executive Committee adopted the concept of Regioinal Infrastructure Improvement Zones (RIIZ) as an officially endorsed policy of the Association. RIIZs are a method of infrastructure construction where a private entity donates money or property toward the new facilities. This proposal would make these donations tax deductible under IRS law. As Federal, state, and local sources of funding for transportation dwindles, innovative sources of funding such as RIIZs will become more important to our financing system. The Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Regional Council of Governments and NARC have issued a joint white paper which discusses RIIZs in greater depth. The paper includes sample Federal legislation that would make RIIZs a reality. To download a copy of the white paper, CLICK HERE
Hurricane and Natural Disaster Reconstruction
NARC supports the reconstruction of transportation and other infrastructure damaged by hurricanes and natural disasters. NARC will continue to inform policy makers of the important role that regional councils can play in evacuation, emergency management, and natural disaster reconstruction.
Reauthorization of the Federal Aviation Administration
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is due for reauthorization in 2006. Similar to highway and transit programs, aviation has a trust fund comprised of ticket taxes and landing fees. Also like surface programs, the Aviation Trust Fund is slowly going bankrupt. When legislation to reauthorize the FAA is introduced, NARC will support provisions to put the Aviation Trust Fund on solid footing. Further, NARC will support programs that help communities expand their aviation capacity. Of particular interest are programs that support rural and small communities, such as the Essential Air Service program.
Informational Links
The following links will help you dig deeper into an issue that is important to you. NARC's staff is ready to help with any issue. Give us a call or send an email and we will help find answers to your questions!
Committees:
House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
House Committee on Appropriations
House Committee on Agriculture
Senate Committee on Science, Commerce, and Transportation
Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works
Government-wide Sources:
THOMAS Legislative Information (Library of Congress)
FHWA E-Reading Room
Federal Register
SAFETEA-LU information:
FHWA SAFETEA-LU Summary Page
FTA SAFETEA-LU Summary Page
NARC Policy Positions- Transportation:
The Transportation Executive Committee has adopted the following eighteen policy positions, which cover every aspect of Federal transportation policy that impacts MPOs and COGs.
Aging | Air Quality | Amtrak | Aviation | Budget and Appropriations
Congestion | Freight | Highway Trust Fund | Human Services | Maritime
National Transportation Policy | Rail | Rural | Rulemaking
Technical Corrections | Safety | Security | Transit
NARC Joins Other Groups Urging States Not to Disproportionately Rescind CMAQ Dollars
The US Troop Readiness, Veterans’ Care, Katrina Recovery, and Iraq Accountability Appropriations Act, 2007 (PL 110- 028) was singed into law on May 25, 2007 and calls for a rescission of $871 million in transportation funds. States have until next Friday, July 20, 2007 to determine which funds will be rescinded. NARC joined the Diesel Technology Forum and the Emissions Control Technology Association, as well as other interested groups signing onto to a letter urging states not to disproportionately target CMAQ funds in their rescissions. The letter was sent to governors in 15 states and the Mayor of the District that traditionally rescinded the largest amount of their CMAQ dollars. To view a copy of one of the letters, please click here.