Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) recently sent a letter to U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) Secretary Elaine Chao, urging the agency to release infrastructure funds.
Feinstein urged Chao to fully implement the Federal Transit Administration’s Capital Investment Grant program and to stop any administrative delays and resume recommending new projects for funding.
The program makes transportation more affordable, reduces congestion and pollution, and reinvests in our future, Feinstein said.
The 2018 Consolidated Appropriations Act law provides $2.645 billion for Fiscal Year 2018, 85 percent of which must be spent within 21 months.
In California, the program would fully fund all multiyear capital investment projects already underway as well as those expected to begin this year. It also directs USDOT to provide projects with fair recommendations and impartial technical ratings for future funding.
“After last year’s appropriations were enacted, you agreed to allow the Caltrain Electrification project to move forward, keeping your commitment to implement the law,” Feinstein said. “This year’s appropriations again provide funding and direction in support of all of the transit projects pursuing a Capital Investment Grant. I ask for your leadership to make this program a continued success.”
All the projects deserve fair and timely administration as authorized by Congress, Feinstein said.