Passenger Transport Express - 09/12/2014 (Plain Text Version)NEWS HEADLINESCongress Introduces Three Public Transportation-Relevant Bills
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. 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. [return to top] 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. [return to top] 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. [return to top] 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. |