Congress is currently working on a new $150 billion federal transportation bill to replace what's currently known as the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA). ISTEA heralded a new era when it was passed in 1991. Instead of the federal government spending transportation funds solely on building new roads, the control of some of the funds was placed in local hands, and money could be used for projects that provide better travel choices, protect the environment, and strengthen local economies.
As Congress discusses reauthorizing ISTEA, proposals have been made to radically overhaul the law, including eliminating its environmental programs. One such plan, known as "STEP 21," would do away with funds dedicated for air quality improvements -- the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) program. Other bills propose to keep ISTEA's basic structure, but allow 50% of CMAQ monies to be transferred to other projects and control of the funds to be shifted to state governments, away from local authorities who rely on these funds to fight air pollution.
With the recent decision by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to tighten federal air pollution standards, endorsed by President Clinton (last week/late last month), these funds are needed now more than ever to help local governments with the cost of compliance. Eliminating these programs altogether or allowing states to transfer 50% of CMAQ funds to other projects will cripple an invaluable tool in meeting these new safety standards. CMAQ funds that would have been used to help save lives will likely be siphoned off to build new highways and other projects. This transferability is hailed by its supporters as flexibility, but really it allows states to take money away from protecting public health.
Under CMAQ, there is already ample flexibility. The government does not dictate how local authorities spend money. It simply sets aside funds that allow communities to help achieve healthier air through many different approaches -- from clean fuel buses to bike trails to transit systems. As the time comes to pass a new transportation bill, Congress must remember that CMAQ is an essential tool in the struggle to clean up our environment and build healthier communities.
For background, check out the page on Air Quality.
The Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA) -- our nation's transportation law -- heralded a new era when it was passed in 1991. Instead of state departments of transportation (DOTs) enjoying sole authority over where and how to spend federal dollars, the control of some of the funds was placed in local hands, and money could finally be used for projects that communities wanted and needed.
After the July 4 recess, Congress is due to vote on a new transportation bill to replace ISTEA. It is time for us to speak up, and demand that Congress gives local communities like ours an even greater voice in the process.
In the debate over reauthorizing ISTEA, there have been proposals that would take control of transportation money out of our hands. One such plan, known as "STEP-21," would eliminate the two small programs that local officials and citizens have had the greatest voice in -- the Congestion Mitigation Air Quality (CMAQ) and transportation enhancements programs. Another proposal would allow state DOTs to transfer up to 50% of these program funds to other categories under their control to spend them where they see fit.
It is imperative that this does not happen. Local control of funds has allowed us to invest in projects that our community truly wants and desperately needs. XXXX and XXXX are just a couple of projects these programs have funded.
The bottom line is that local control is not state control. State DOTs were charged with building and completing our nation's Interstate highway system. They're still biased towards building big new roads, but that alone won't solve our increasingly complex local transportation needs. ISTEA began to establish a partnership involving localities and citizens for the first time. We musn't let Congress turn back the clock.
For background, check out the page on Local Control and CEPT's Local Control Fact Sheet.
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