LSN Weekly Federal Mobility Digest

MAY 10, 2024

Senate Overwhelmingly Approves FAA Reauthorization Act – The United States Senate approved the longawaited FAA Reauthorization. The legislation now heads to the House for final approval.
Chairman Nehls Statement from Hearing on PHMSA’s Reauthorization Needs – Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials Subcommittee Chairman Troy Nehls (R-TX) delivered opening remarks at a hearing on reauthorizing the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA). He highlighted his support for reauthorization, providing resources and direction to enhance pipeline safety oversight.
T&I Committee Re p ublicans Hi g hli g ht Concerns Over S p ike in Violent Crime on Nation’s Ma j or Transit S y stems —The Committee Republicans are seeking more information from the Federal Transit Administration about how the agency is responding to and mitigating an “unacceptable safety threat” to passengers at many of the nation’s major transit systems.

USDOT Launches DOT Connect to Capital Initiative, Linking Small Businesses to Private Capital Investors – The Department of Transportation’s OSDBU has introduced U.S. DOT Connect to Capital, a new online portal aimed at helping small and disadvantaged businesses (SDBs/DBEs) access private equity investments

Administration Announces Uniform Act Final Rule with Enhanced Protections, Assistance for People Affected by Federally-Funded Projects – The final rule is the first update in almost 20 years and makes important changes to help those displaced or otherwise affected by federally-funded projects.

Rhode Island Announces $60 Million for Public Transit from Historic Infrastructure Law – Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse, alongside Congressmen Seth Magaziner and Gabe Amo, have announced $60.1 million in federal transit funding for Rhode Island’s public transportation system.

Huntsville receives new federal grant to study transportation needs – The City of Huntsville has been awarded an $850,000 grant from the Federal Transit Authority to explore mass transit solutions through a pilot program focused on land-use study along a potential Bus Rapid Transit corridor. This grant is part of the FTA’s Transit-Oriented Development planning initiative.
U.S. Department of Transportation Announces $3 Million in ‘Quick Release’ Emergency Relief Funding for I-95 Repairs After Truck Fire in Norwalk, Connecticut – The Federal Highway Administration announced the availability of $3 million in “quick release” Emergency Relief funds to the Connecticut Department of Transportation for immediate repairs to I-95 in Norwalk.