White House signals support for low carbon transit plans

The Obama Administration has announced plans to revamp its funding guidelines for local transportation projects in an attempt to help speed the flow of cash to infrastructure projects that aim to curb carbon emissions and congestion.

Announcing the proposed changes last week, US Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said that the parameters for transit project funding should be expanded to increase the chances of green projects getting approval.

He said that in addition to cost and time saved, which were made the primary criteria for evaluating transit funding awards by the Bush Administration in 2005, "livability" criteria such as economic development opportunities and environmental benefits should also be factored in to decisions.

"Everywhere I go, the message is loud and clear: People want more and better transportation infrastructure in their communities – from highways and bridges to light rail, multi-modal transit stations, bike paths, and walkways," said LaHood. "They want the opportunity to leave their cars behind. To live near work and schools and good hospitals. And to enjoy clean, green neighborhoods."

The proposed funding changes will affect the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) New Starts and Small Starts programs, which target locally-planned fixed guideway systems such as railways and bus transit routes.

The shift in focus will also free up budget restrictions imposed during the Bush era, the Department of Transportation said. It added that it will implement a rulemaking process soon to invite public comment on how to monitor the effects of transit projects on the environment as well as community and economic development.