Hurricanes Katrina and Rita last year drew national attention not only to the destruction suffered by Gulf Coast communities, but the risks hurricanes and other natural hazards pose to communities throughout the U.S. APA expects attention to continue on the broad issue of community safety given the rebuilding of Gulf Coast communities that will continue throughout the year; legislation before Congress addressing this issue (not only funding restoration of communities, but also bills to help communities address natural and man-made safety issues through comprehensive planning grants); and the Federal Emergency Management Administration’s emphasis on long-term recovery and focus on rebuilding communities that are safer and more disaster-resistant.

Another major trend, both at the state and federal levels are legislative proposals to restrict the ability of communities and other local governing bodies to use eminent domain for purposes of economic development. The proposals are in response to a U.S. Supreme Court decision last June that upholds long-standing court interpretations law supporting local government’s use of eminent domain to ensure a community’s long-term economic viability.

With passage of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act—a Legacy for Users into law in August (2005), attention this year will focus on implementing the new law. Under the act $286.4 billion is authorized through 2009 for six core programs—interstate maintenance, the national highway system, surface transportation, bridge and bridge maintenance, congestion mitigation and air quality, and a new highway safety improvement program.