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.
Landmark ruling strengthens president's ability to deliver climate change deals in both Washington and Copenhagen 08 Dec 2009
More bad news for Obama administration's climate change strategy as state governor and coalition of trade groups launch legal action against EPA's right to regulate emissions 17 Feb 2010
New emissions standards likely to be finalised next year after EPA completes draft rules 18 Aug 2010
US, Britain, the Netherlands, Italy and Norway abstain from vote in protest 09 Apr 2010
All branches of government to set binding emissions targets for 2020 within next 90 days 07 Oct 2009
Energy and Climate Change Secretary insists government remains committed to shifting taxation on to polluting activities 06 Sep 2010
City official reveals plans to produce 100,000 electric vehicles a year by 2012 06 Sep 2010
Government report warns that failure to tackle agricultural run off has led to huge ocean dead zones off the US coast 06 Sep 2010
More news
The feed-in tariff is well-intentioned, argues Trewin Restorick, but is it socially unjust? 02 Sep 2010
Regardless of which brother becomes the next leader of the opposition, environmental issues are set to become a more prominent feature of the political landscape 01 Sep 2010
Lisa Ashford of EcoSecurities makes the case for rivals clubbing together to fund emission reduction projects 31 Aug 2010 More in-depth
Post your comment
Send an email to the Business Green editor at feedback@businessgreen.com
