The new bill approved by the House Appropriations Committee "Provides for Smarter, More Efficient Amtrak Operations"; "Supports Aviation"; "Addresses Critical Housing Needs"; and "Funds Highway Spending", while cutting some critical programs.
"Over the committee's strong objections, Congress has passed major transportation authorization bills which established guaranteed levels of discretionary transportation spending. These laws amended the rules of the House to prevent consideration of appropriations bills unless they provide inflated levels of discretionary spending for certain transportation programs."
"The bill provides $900 million for Amtrak and includes significant financial and management reforms. The bill mandates that Amtrak reduce its operating subsidy which includes finding savings in food and beverage service, and first class service."
"Program Terminations
HOPE VI: -$99 million; Rural Housing and Economic Development: -$17 million; Section 108 loan guarantees: $4 million; Brownfields: -$10 million; FTA Small Starts: -$200 Million; Housing Counseling Assistance: -$45 million; National Defense Tank Vessel Construction Program: -$74 million; Open Roads Financing Pilot Program: -$100 million"
FULL STORY: FULL COMMITTEE PASSES FY07 TRANSPORTATION, TREASURY, HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT BILL
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.
San Francisco Suspends Traffic Calming Amidst Record Deaths
Citing “a challenging fiscal landscape,” the city will cease the program on the heels of 42 traffic deaths, including 24 pedestrians.
Defunct Pittsburgh Power Plant to Become Residential Tower
A decommissioned steam heat plant will be redeveloped into almost 100 affordable housing units.
Trump Prompts Restructuring of Transportation Research Board in “Unprecedented Overreach”
The TRB has eliminated more than half of its committees including those focused on climate, equity, and cities.
Amtrak Rolls Out New Orleans to Alabama “Mardi Gras” Train
The new service will operate morning and evening departures between Mobile and New Orleans.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
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Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
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