U.S. Senate approves appropriations bill for public transit

Aug. 3, 2018

The $16.1 billion bill also will dedicate funding for intercity passenger-rail grants

The U.S. Senate yesterday approved a fiscal-year 2019 appropriations bill that provides $16.1 billion for public transit.

The Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD), and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2019 also dedicates $2.5 billion for intercity passenger-rail grants. The rail and transit funding levels are $1.3 billion more than authorized by the Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act for FY2019, according to a press release issued by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA). 

The bill also funds the Federal Transit Administration's Capital Investment Grants program at $2.5 billion, marking a $92 million decrease from FY18, according to a statement issued by nonprofit advocacy group Transportation for America. In addition, the legislation allocates $1 billion for the Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grants program. 

Meanwhile, the Senate approved an amendment authored by U.S. Sens. Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and Tom Udall (D-N.M.) to provide $50 million to maintain Amtrak's Southwest Chief service. The amendment would provide the resources needed for maintenance and safety improvements along the route, according to a press release issued by Moran's office.

 

----------

Source: Progressive Railroading 

Sponsored Recommendations

The Science Behind Sustainable Concrete Sealing Solutions

Extend the lifespan and durability of any concrete. PoreShield is a USDA BioPreferred product and is approved for residential, commercial, and industrial use. It works great above...

Champion Flame Shield® Phenolic Conduit Guide

Learn how Champion Flame Shield® Provides a Safe Solution in Fire Sensitive Applications

Electrical Conduit Comparison Chart

See how fiberglass conduit stacks up to the competition in crucial areas like weight, corrosion resistance and installation cost.

Proven Concrete Protection That’s Safe & Sustainable

Real-life DOT field tests and university researchers have found that PoreShieldTM lasts for 10+ years and extends the life of concrete.