Lawmakers Push for Federal Help With Transit Operating: Read the Letter
The House and Senate are racing to reach agreement on a $90 billion bill to keep the Iraq and Afghanistan wars funded, but the legislation also could mark a pivotal victory for transit.
Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-OR). Photo: UPIThe Senate version of the war bill contains a provision that would
allow transit agencies to use 10 percent of their money they get from
the economic stimulus law to pay operating costs. If the House agrees
to add that provision to the war bill, it would be a boon to
cash-strapped localities that are facing steep cuts in service thanks
to the economic downturn.
Rep. Pete DeFazio (D-OR), chairman
of the House transportation committee's highways and transit panel, has
enlisted 26 colleagues for a letter to congressional leaders urging
that the Senate's transit provision be kept in the final version of the
war legislation.
CQ reported on the letter on Friday, but we have a complete copy for your downloading pleasure right here. Has your local member of Congress signed on?
Stay in touch
Sign up for our free newsletter
More from Streetsblog New York City
Friday’s Headlines: Canal Street Follies Edition
Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine isn't happy. Plus otherness.
Daylight Again: Bronx Community Board Backs Parking Ban at Intersections
The Boogie Down is down with daylighting!
Community Board Wants Protected Bike Lane on Empire Blvd.
Brooklyn Community Board 9 wants city to upgrade Empire Boulevard's frequently blocked bike lane, which serves as a gateway to Prospect Park.
The Brake: Why We Can’t End Violence on Transit With More Police
Are more cops the answer to violence against transit workers, or is it only driving societal tensions that make attacks more frequent?
Report: Road Violence Hits Record in First Quarter of 2024
Sixty people died in the first three months of the year, 50 percent more than the first quarter of 2018, which was the safest opening three months of any Vision Zero year.
