Stimulus Transportation Plan Gives States Flexibility to Build

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Dan Cronin, 202-251-9549, dcronin@edf.org

(Washington - January 15, 2009)  America deserves to see whether the states will use the funds in the economic stimulus plan released today by the House leadership and President-elect Obama’s economic team “to buy ‘bridges to nowhere’ or a bridge to the 21st century,” according to Environmental Defense Fund.

“With tens of billions in new transportation spending, it's more important than ever for states to respect President-elect Obama’s promise of transparency by making their spending priorities public as soon as possible,” said Michael Replogle, a civil engineer who is the Transportation Director for Environmental Defense Fund and an adviser to the U.S. Department of Transportation. “This bill leaves many decisions about how transportation funds will be spent to the states. That's where we'll see the effect of this investment on clean air, clean water and climate change for generations. Fewer than half the states have made public their proposed transportation project lists. ”

“States generally have flexibility to use highway funds to "fix-it-first" -- repair existing bridges and roads -- or to rush through new highway expansion that might otherwise fail to meet basic environmental needs,” added Replogle.  “It's time to shine a light on those priorities, to make spending decisions in a way that all can see the costs and benefits for health and environment.”

“The track record is clear: repairing roads, fixing bridges and investing in transit is the formula for more jobs and a better environment,” concluded Replogle.  “Transit demand around the country is at an all-time high, but agencies are strapped for cash and cutting service.  Expanding stimulus funds for transit would help cash-starved transit agencies offer more Americans an affordable and sustainable ride to work. It's good that this bill would ensure all states spend at least a portion of their stimulus funds in metropolitan areas, the root of our nation's economic strength.”