Federal Funding

The U.S. Department of Transportation recently announced awardees for the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grant program. Find out which projects are being funded in Illinois.

The reps noted that in addition to preventing crashes, separating rail crossings can also improve passenger and freight rail service by allowing for higher speeds and more frequent service.

Biden's infrastructure bill significantly increases funding for public transportation and intercity rail. but the money earmarked for vehicle electrification dwarfs investments in more sustainable transportation.

Under Trump, U.S. DOT's grant rules encourage states to finance road projects with private loans that cost more than public borrowing.

The Trump administration's fiscal year 2018 budget, released yesterday, includes severe cuts to federal transit funding. Next stop: Congress, which will consider the president's proposal before it passes a budget over the summer.

Yesterday, Congress came out with a funding package that keeps the government operating until the end of September. Officially, it's known as the omnibus appropriations package for fiscal year 2017. Unofficially, it's a Republican Congress ignoring the wishes of President Donald J. Trump, and for transit projects around the country, it's what amounts to good news these days.

Dozens of transit projects across the nation -- as well as walking and biking projects that count on funds from the TIGER program -- are under threat unless Congress scraps the hardline budget outline proposed by the White House. Transportation for America is urging people to contact their representatives and oppose the cuts.

Yesterday Donald Trump released a budget outline that calls for severe cuts to transit, and the reaction was swift and scathing. The National Association of City Transportation Officials called it "a disaster" for cities. Transportation for America said it was a "slap in the face" for local communities that have raised funds to expand transit.

Watch out: The leader of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee is making a push for an infrastructure spending spree, even though the current federal transportation funding law doesn't expire for several years. Advocates will have to guard against a new road-building binge.