House Passes SAFETEA-LU Extension

2009 funding for the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act totals $1.78 billion.

SAFETEA-LU (Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act) was enacted in August 2005 to provide funding for the nation’s surface transportation programs through 2009, at least in theory. On Sept. 23, 2009, the House of Representatives voted 335-85 to extend SAFETEA-LU through the end of 2009. Without congressional action, the funding for federal-aid highway programs, mass transit and road safety programs would have expired on Sept. 30, 2009.

The Obama administration favors the Senate?EUR??,,????'?????<

 

The Transportation Enhancements (TE) program, which includes safe bicycle and pedestrian facilities and scenic routes, has come under attack by some congressional leaders. This Galer Street Pedestrian Bridge in Seattle received Transportation Enhancements (TE) funding of $220,800.

 

Since last spring, House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman James Oberstar (D-Minn.) has been pushing for a new six-year reauthorization bill, but the full committee has not acted on the measure. On June 24, 2009, the House Subcommittee on Highways and Transit ?EUR??,,????'?????<

With the extension of SAFETEA-LU to Dec. 31, 2009, the House and Senate transportation committee members may not turn their attention to a new authorization bill until early in 2010.

The Transportation Enhancements (TE) program, which includes safe bicycle and pedestrian facilities, scenic routes, beautification, and other investments that increase recreation opportunity and access, has come under attack by some congressional leaders.