Federal Transportation Policy Off to a Fast Start in 2014
While we are only three weeks into 2014, there have already been several signs that transportation will be on the front burner this year with Congress and the federal government.
New Transportation Bill Ahead in 2014
While it seems that the MAP-21 transportation law passed fairly recently, Congress only passed a two-year bill and MAP-21 expires in September 2014. Congress is starting to hold hearings on the transportation law and to consider how to fund the next bill.
Enough is Enough: Ask Congress to End Rising Rates of Bike/Ped Fatalities
Ready to act? Contact your members of Congress now. Want more background? Keep reading...
Reading the Tea Leaves for the Next Transportation Bill
In my last post, I talked about the government shutdown and how the fighting over funding could be a bad sign for the next surface transportation bill, given the $15 billion per year funding shortfall.
What the Federal Government Shutdown Means for the Next Transportation Bill
After Congress and the President were unable to agree on a deal to continue funding for federal agencies and programs through the annual appropriations process, the federal government was shut down and non-essential employees were sent home. The shutdown is now in its second week, and there is no sign of progress towards a resolution.
Help Shape the USDOT Strategic Plan
Last week, the US Department of Transportation (USDOT) released their draft strategic plan for FY2014-2018. This plan will drive the USDOT’s internal workplan, so it’s important to make sure Safe Routes to School, bicycling and walking is well-represented.
Congratulations to Memphis, TN For Passing the Nation's 500th Complete Streets Policy
This August, Memphis, Tennessee was honored by the National Complete Streets Coalition for adopting the Nation's 500th Complete Streets Policy. The Safe Routes Partnership's Tennessee Network sent a letter to Mayor Wharton of Memphis, congratulating him on the honor and for leading the efforts for Complete Streets in Memphis.
Fending Off Potential Congressional Threats to Safe Routes Funding
This week, both the House and Senate are considering their transportation appropriations (or funding) bills. Because most transportation funding is locked in through MAP-21, we don’t have to fight for funding every year like most programs. (See more on timing updates below)
Increasing Access to Play
In honor of July being Parks and Recreation month, I decided to focus on how we, as Safe Routes to School advocates, can ensure that all children have the ability to be active outside all year round. Just like walking and bicycling to school, access to parks and recreation can directly impact the overall quality of life for children.
Assessing State Progress on Transportation Alternatives
It’s hard to believe that it has been more than a year since Congress passed the transportation bill, MAP-21, which consolidated Safe Routes to School into the Transportation Alternatives program (TAP).