Visit the classifieds to find numerous job opportunities, including executive director of a state transit association and transit system assistant general managers!
 

The House and Senate adjourned for the weekend on Feb. 26 without passing a further extension of the authorizing law for federal surface transportation programs. As the current extension of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) expires at midnight Feb. 28, most Federal Transit Administration (FTA) programs, Federal Highway Administration programs, and other programs funded by the Federal Highway Trust Fund will lapse beginning March 1.

FTA employees will be able to continue working this week because they are paid out of the General Fund, but FTA will be unable to process most grant applications. FTA has indicated that it will continue to process American Recovery and Reinvestment Act grants, which are funded from the General Fund. All FHWA employees are expected to face a temporary furlough.

The House and Senate attempted to pass a short-term extension of the transportation program by Feb. 26, but that attempt failed when Sen. Jim Bunning (R-KY) blocked efforts on the Senate floor by threatening a filibuster.

Congressional staff have advised APTA that House and Senate leaders have reached agreement on all issues related to the year-long extension of programs contained in the Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment (HIRE) Act, informally referred to as the “jobs” bill; a House vote on this bill was delayed. The Senate passed the HIRE Act by a 70-28 vote on Feb. 24.

Both chambers are expected to work during the week of March 1 to enact the extension of transportation programs through Dec. 31, 2010.

Return to Top | Return to Main

Next Article »