The stimulus package could be an opportunity to build transformative infrastructure that will not only create jobs in the short run but improve our cities and strengthen our economy in the long run. It could be a way to fund routine maintenance. Or it could be an opportunity for second-rate projects to see the light of day.
Support funding for public transit, bicycle and pedestrian projects
Congress is currently putting together an economic stimulus package to have ready when the new Congress returns in early January. While public details of the forthcoming stimulus bill are not available, we are hearing that there is a chance that funds for transportation and infrastructure projects in the stimulus package may go overwhelmingly to road projects—the same unbalanced strategy that has created our existing transportation problems.
We must speak up now to make sure that the economic stimulus language maintains the established transportation funding allocations including the Transportation Enhancement set aside which is the primary source for collective transportation, bicycle and pedestrian projects.
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