The Center for Public Integrity continues its investigation into who is influencing transportation policy at the federal level. They found that lack of governmental focus has left the door open for developers to point the way.
In addition to donating directly to PACs, developers hire federal lobbyists for transportation funding.
Matthew Lewis writes, "Last year, they hoped the payoff would be a $500 billion multiyear bill proposed by House Transportation Committee Chairman James Oberstar, a Minnesota Democrat. But congressional leaders have yet to agree how to pay for such legislation. In the meantime, the transportation community is focused on annual appropriations bills, the economic stimulus money still being spent in the states, and congressional jobs packages as the main federal funding sources for transportation.
For earmarks in particular, the appropriations route can be the fastest way to win money for pet projects."
Read the full story: Developers in the Driver's Seat on Transportation
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