Congress returned to session this week by introducing three bills relevant to the public transportation industry. The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee introduced legislation reauthorizing Amtrak and building on the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act (PRIIA) of 2008. The new legislation sets annual Amtrak funding for the next four years at the current appropriated levels, and focuses on transparency, enhanced responsibility for states, and operations and projects within the Northeast Corridor. Rep. Jeff Denham (R-CA) met with APTA's Commuter Rail CEOs Committee Sept. 11 to discuss this bill. See APTA's forthcoming Legislative Alert for more details.

The House Appropriations Committee introduced a short-term continuing resolution, also on Sept. 11, that would fund the government through Dec. 11, 2014. For public transportation programs, funding is continued at a rate equal to the MAP-21-authorized FY 2014 level.

Finally, rail safety legislation was co-introduced by Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), chair of the Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Infrastructure, Safety, and Security Committee. The law authorizes the appropriations of $3 billion (subject to annual appropriations) from FY 2015 through FY 2020 for the Railroad Safety Technology Grant Program.

DOT Awards Latest Round of TIGER Grants

The latest Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grants were announced on Sept. 12. Approximately $600 million for 72 transportation projects were awarded, DOT Secretary Anthony Foxx announced. About 27 percent of the funding is going to public transit projects.

FTA to Hold Webinar on Joint Development Circular Outreach

FTA will host a two-hour webinar to present a new circular that provides guidance on using FTA funds for joint development programs. Register for the Sept. 17 webinar here.

DOT and Treasury Host Infrastructure Summit

DOT and the Department of Treasury jointly held an Infrastructure Investment Summit on Sept. 9. APTA Vice Chair Phillip Washington, general manager, Regional Transportation District (Denver, CO), spoke on a panel moderated by Sec. Foxx that offered state and local perspectives on "project life cycle from idea to financing to delivery." Also participating were APTA President & CEO Michael Melaniphy, Treasury Secretary Jacob J. Lew, Treasury Deputy Secretary Sarah Bloom Raskin, and White House National Economic Council Director Jeffrey Zients.

FTA Announces $7.85 Million for Innovative Public Transportation Workforce Development Program

FTA announced approximately $7.85 million for the Innovative Public Transportation Workforce Development Program on Sept. 5. The program promotes innovative workforce development models and programs of regional and national significance. Instructions for applying are on FTA's website.

SAVE THE DATE

The American Public Transportation Foundation (APTF) will host a benefit golf tournament on Oct. 10, at the Tour 18 Houston Golf Course in Humble, TX. The tournament will precede APTA's Annual Meeting and EXPO, October 12-15, in Houston.

Register now and help build the public transportation workforce of the future!

IN THE MEDIA

Millennials are making public transportation trendy.

Proximity to public transit boosts property values.

High-speed rail can both create jobs and reduce traffic congestion.