FTA Releases Prelim. Info. on Stimulus Bill

[tufsu1]

Remember that the stimulus is only a start on transportation (which partially explains why there wasn't as much $ as many had hoped).....later this year (or early next year) will be the overall Transportation Reauthorization Bill, which sets policy for 5-6 years....and keep in mind that Obama wants to create an infrastructure bank as well.

[thelakelander]

If the community wants the Feds to fund rail within the next decade, its critical that we commit to a plan and continue to do the necessary studies needed to put us in a position for funding within the next four years. 

Outside of that, I'm still of the belief that we should use the BJP transit money on immediately implementing a locally funded initial rail segment.  That segment could then be used as a part of the local investment needed to gain federal funding for a larger system.  If its not used, continue to expect to see proposals to take that money for use elsewhere.