Spending: House Bill Hikes 2007 Road, Transit, Airport Aid
The House was poised at ENR press time to approve a fiscal year 2007 spending measure that would boost funds for federal highway, transit and airport programs.
The bill, which the House Appropriations Committee cleared June 6, would put the 2007 highway obligation ceiling at $39.1 billion, up 10% from 2006. It also has $8.9 billion for the Federal Transit Administration, a 5% gain. Both sums are in line with levels in 2005’s Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users. The House committee’s bill also has $3.7 billion for Airport Improvement Program grants, up 5% from 2006. President Bush proposed cutting AIP to $2.75 billion. There has been no Senate action yet on 2007 transportation appropriations.