NLC
Because the federal authorities hurtles in the direction of the primary authorities shutdown because the first Trump administration, cities and cities are involved about extra delays in federal funding.
“Native governments could face interruptions in federal company coordination, delays in essential grant funding and general uncertainty for a variety of neighborhood packages,” mentioned Steve Patterson, Mayor of Athens, Ohio and president of the Nationwide League of Cities.
“We acknowledge the respectable coverage considerations outlined by each events over the nation’s price range; nonetheless, we urge members of Congress to proceed working towards consensus and bipartisan compromise for the nice of the nation’s cities, cities and villages.”
The considerations come on prime of strikes by the U.S. Division of Transportation to rescind infrastructure grants that have been authorized throughout the Biden Administration as a part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Regulation.
The DOT is steering away from initiatives that comprise parts associated to local weather change, or social justice. Initiatives involving bike lanes are proving to be favourite targets.
“Is {that a} main federal authorities precedence?” requested DOT Deputy Secretary Steven Bradbury. “If we’re speaking nearly a motorcycle or pedestrian lane, I feel historically one would assume that is extra of an area curiosity.”
The feedback got here throughout an internet interview with Politico Tuesday.
Bike lane initiatives in New Mexico, San Diego County, California, Boston, and Fairfield, Alabama have all been reported to be getting the axe.
“We’re not against bike lanes or pedestrian lanes if it comes with a roadway enchancment,” mentioned Bradbury.
“However if you happen to’re simply speaking a few small native curiosity on one thing, I feel we have to make the optimum use of the dear federal taxpayer greenback, and we will not simply be throwing cash at all the things that appears like a good suggestion.”
The DOT claims to be working by way of a backlog of infrastructure initiatives that have been introduced throughout the Biden administration, however the funds have but to be obligated.
Native infrastructure initiatives are sometimes financed by bonds supplemented with federal grants and loans which at the moment are shifting into the again seat as method funding and public non-public partnerships are attracting extra consideration.
“Lots of these initiatives contain P3 investments and alternatives for income,” mentioned Bradbury. “We’re centered on is guaranteeing that there is a stable monetary case, in order that the U.S. authorities will get paid again on the loans it extends, and so we do not incur vital funding danger.”
The DOT can also be working to allay fears in regards to the results of a shutdown on air journey.
“These air site visitors controllers are a devoted skilled bunch,” Bradbury mentioned. “I noticed that within the five-week lapse in 2018 to 2019. Even with out common paychecks, all of them proceed to work.”
The Trendy Skies Coalition, which incorporates representatives from 50 airline trade commerce teams is lobbying Congress by way of a
Per the letter, “Shutdowns are extraordinarily detrimental to the passengers and shippers in addition to the aviation neighborhood as a result of they power the FAA to, amongst different issues, droop air site visitors controller and technician hiring and coaching.”
Whereas bracing for a shutdown the DOT can also be
