News
Bush Administration's U.S. Department of Transportation Budget Request
U.S. President Bush has submitted his transportation budget to Congress. According to a press release, the Administration is requesting $67 billion for fiscal year 2008 to finance transportation construction, congestion relief, and safety programs and to provide the framework for reforming the aviation system. In a statement U.S. Secretary of Transportation Mary E. Peters noted that the budget request provides a framework for reforming the aviation system by tying what users pay to the costs of providing air traffic control and other services. She added that the request also includes $175 million for a 21st Century satellite navigation system to replace older air traffic control equipment and $900 million in additional air traffic control system upgrades. In addition, the budget includes $42 billion for highway construction and safety programs. The 2008 budget also requests $175 million to cut traffic congestion by developing commuter traffic information systems, accelerating construction along trade and travel corridors, and helping metropolitan areas test new solutions. The budget request includes $1.3 billion for commuter rail and transit projects for urban areas and $100 million for transit projects in smaller towns and rural areas.
Related links:
- U.S. Department of Transportation - Fiscal Year 2008 Budget In Brief - US DOT web site
- Related TRB News Release - TRB web site
