In The News

OMB posts proposed DOT budget raises for 2010; some get more than others

WASHINGTON — The federal Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has posted proposed budgets for next year, with the Department of Transportation getting a raise of $1.8 billion, from a projected $73.3 billion on tap for next year compared with the enacted 2009 budget of $71.5 billion.

Tops on DOT’s mandated agenda is “reforming surface transportation programs,” including reducing congestion and improving safety, according to OMB.

OMB stated it recognizes that focus to date has been on the Economic Recovery Act but noted that policy proposals in several key areas have yet to be made, including surface transportation reauthorization funding.

DOT also is being tasked with initiating high-speed rail services and modernizing air traffic control.

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is slated to get $230,000 more in 2010 ($41,846,000, as opposed to $41,616,000 in 2009).

FHWA is supposed to coordinate highway transportation in cooperation with states and other parties. One funding agent is the Federal-Aid Highway Program, which provides money to build and improve the national highway system, roads and bridges. Another program, the Federal Lands Highway Program, provides access to and within national forests and parks, Indian reservations and other public lands. FHWA also manages a research, development and technology arm.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is to get $550 million next year or 9 million more than the $541 million it’s getting this year.

FMCSA is charged with preventing commercial motor vehicle-related deaths and injuries through enforcement of safety rules (such as Hours of Service), targeting high-risk carriers and drivers; improving safety information systems and safety technologies; strengthening commercial motor vehicle equipment and operating standards and increasing safety standards.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which sets and enforces safety performance standards for motor vehicles and equipment, is getting a proposed an $11 more million next year, $867 million, compared with $856 million this year.

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