Just in case you worried that New York is alone when it comes to legislatures stealing money that should be dedicated to transit, think again. As Transportation Nation dismayingly reports today, the 112th Congress has adopted rules for the House that allow for transportation funds to be used for non-transportation purposes. A rule shielding those funds from such a misappropriation had been in place since 1998, and it seems clear that the G.O.P.-led House will try to cut transit and infrastructure spending over the next two years.
Local politicians and transit agencies aren’t happy. Earlier this week, Jay Walder penned a letter to Congressman Anthony Weiner. In it, he urged the New York State Democrat to speak out against this parliamentary maneuvering. “The proposed revision,” the MTA CEO and Chair said, “would allow highway user fees to be applied to other types of investments, reducing Congress’ ability to provide predictable levels of funding for transportation projects.” A significant portion of the MTA’s capital money comes from the federal government, and at a time when the agency must fill a $10 billion gap in its current five-year spending plan, this move could not come at a worse time.
Transit advocates expert this move to reduce federal infrastructure spending by approximately $7-$8 billion. For more on the ramifications of this decision, check out coverage on The Transport Politic.
6 comments
“Earlier this week, Jay Walder penned a letter to Congressman Michael Weiner.”
It’s “Anthony,” not “Michael.” The other guy ought to be confined to RAB posts! 😉
The head of the MLBPA is not moonlighting as a Congressman. Oops!
I heard an interview on NPR Ira Flatow asked Boehner something like “how much of the $100 billion the GOP has promised to cut is going to come out of transportation and infrastructure?”
The reply from our new Speaker of the House was a barely intelligible version of the magic 8 ball saying “Not clear now, ask again later.”
What else to expect of a Republican. Just look at Christie and ARC and the Nassau guy and LIB. Oh, it’s OK ‘to buy it for them’ ebecause someone else is doing the buying. Make it someone else’s problem is the Republican mantra.
Why would they send a letter to Weiner? He should send it to Pete King, the new guy in Staten Island, and the new guy in the Hudson Valley who beat John Hall; they’re in the majority, and King must have at least a little influence in proportion to his huge mouth.
Then when the GOP cuts transit funding, let it come out of Staten Island, northern Westchester, and Long Island, and let the constituents know why they are seeing cuts.
[…] respect Republicans have for their fellow human beings, and in this case transportation systems. Second Avenue Sagas reports on their love for infrastructure: Congress has adopted rules for the House that allow for […]