April 4, 2012
Prospects Diminish for Federal Transportation Bill
Passage of 90-day extension could mean the demise of long term bill’s prospects
Despite aggressive local and national efforts, the House of Representatives failed to move a long-term transportation bill before the March 31 federal funding expiration.
Transportation advocates tried desperately to convince House leaders to adopt the bipartisan, two-year bill that passed the Senate but instead Congress passed a 90-day extension which many predict will mean the absence of a long-term bill at least until after the fall elections.
In other federal transportation news, the House passed a budget proposal last week that cuts transportation investment by 38%.
Senate Hands Amtrak a Government Sponsored Monopoly
Licensing amendment would grind transit to a halt
Numerous transit and passenger rail authorities are governed as local districts with either elected or appointed public officials helping guide the maintenance and growth of their systems. For example, in the Chicago Metropolitan Region, PACE, Metra, CTA and the RTA are all governed by appointed boards.
In a somewhat perplexing move, the US Senate included an amendment in the recently passed MAP-21 transportation legislation that would require the federal licensing of all of these agencies through the federal Surface Transportation Board…talk about a solution in search of a problem.
Interestingly the Senate did exempt one agency – Amtrak. Investment in passenger rail has soared and the private sector has expressed interest in partnering to provide service, but this amendment would likely halt any competition in the passenger rail industry. Contact me to find out more.
Illinois Chamber Stands Up for Transit!
Doug Whitley and RTA stump for transit investment
As long-term federal transportation legislation languishes, Illinois Chamber President & CEO Doug Whitley recently partnered with the RTA to brief reporters on the costs of Congressional inactivity.
Whitley was joined by Joe Costello, Executive Director of the RTA on a conference call highlighting projects that are at risk, including:
- CTA Redline Rehabilitation
- Metra’s planned reduction in delays on the Milwaukee District Line
- Pace’s popular bus on shoulder program
News outlets covering the event included the Chicago Tribune, Kane County Chronicle, Business Week, WGN Radio and CBS Local.
Water, Water Everywhere
Chamber supported Water Systems Viability Act flows quickly through the Senate
On March 28th SB 3573, The Water Systems Viability Act, passed the Illinois Senate with a vote of 35-18.
The legislation, Sponsored by Sen. Haine, would be a shot in the arm for Illinois’ aging water infrastructure. For every $1 billion invested in water infrastructure 28,000 jobs are created.
The legislation now moves to the House for consideration. Please contact your legislator and lend your support.
Asian Carp Regional Coordinating Committee Public Meeting
Please participate via phone or webcast
The ACRCC will hold a meeting Thursday, April 5th from 1:30-4:30pm that kicks off with a media availability. The ACRCC is led by John Goss, from the White House Council on Environmental Quality.
Increasingly, Mr. Goss is viewed within the Obama Administration as the “go-to” on all things Asian Carp and he has proven himself an expert who will listen and is committed to fact-finding for the good of the Illinois Waterways.
WATCH: The event will be webcast at: https://www.livemeeting.com/cc/enviroscienceinc/meet
Meeting ID: N2ND4H
Entry Code: Asiancarp
LISTEN: Dial: 877-656-5630 and enter 3858
Chicago Goes Big on Private Infrastructure Investment
Chamber supports and encourages Mayor Emanuel’s efforts
Ever heard the expression, “Go Big or Go Home?” This past week Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel decided to go big for attracting private infrastructure investment to the City of Chicago.
At a speech in Chicago, Emanuel unveiled plans to raise $7.2 billion in private capital which can be leveraged for profit bearing projects such as water infrastructure improvements, road and bridge investments and transit projects. Private investments won’t replace public investment, but can help to supplement and make dollars go further.
For more details on the proposal click here.
