DOT 47-10
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Contact:  Karen Aldana
Tel.:  202-366-9550

Secretary LaHood: Wyoming Becomes the 20th State to Ban Texting While Driving

U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood today applauded Wyoming for becoming the 20th state to enact a statewide ban prohibiting drivers from texting while behind-the-wheel.  The new ban will allow law enforcement officials to ticket anyone caught texting while driving in Wyoming.

"Wyoming has taken an important step to eliminate distracted driving," said Secretary LaHood. "Texting while driving, like talking on cell phones while driving, is dangerous to the driver doing it and all of those around them.”

According to research by the National Highway Traffic Administration (NHTSA), nearly 6,000 people died in 2008 in crashes involving a distracted or inattentive driver, and more than half a million were injured.

In 2009, more than 200 distracted driving bills were considered by state legislatures and legislative activity is expected to remain strong in 2010. 
On February 22, Secretary LaHood unveiled sample legislation developed by NHTSA to be used as a starting point for crafting new state laws to prohibit texting while behind-the-wheel.

The sample state law is patterned on the Executive Order issued by President Obama on October 1, 2009, directing federal employees not to engage in text messaging while driving government-owned vehicles or with government-owned equipment.  Federal employees were required to comply with the ban starting on December 30, 2009. 

In addition, on January 26, Secretary LaHood announced federal guidance to prohibit texting by drivers of commercial vehicles such as large trucks and buses.  Truck and bus drivers who text while driving commercial vehicles may be subject to civil or criminal penalties of up to $2,750.

Secretary LaHood announced the department’s plan to pursue that regulatory action at the Distracted Driving Summit he convened in September 2009.  The department recently launched a federal website, distraction.gov, as a forum and information clearinghouse. 

 

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BTS 12-10
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Contact: Dave Smallen
Tel: 202-366-5568                 

BTS Releases December 2009 Airline Traffic Data;
System Traffic Down 0.6 Percent from December 2008

The number of scheduled domestic and international passengers on U.S. airlines in December 2009 decreased by 0.6 percent from December 2008, decreasing by 0.4 million to 57.0 million, the Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) today reported.  The December 2009 passenger total was 6.2 percent below that of December 2007.

BTS, a part of DOT’s Research and Innovative Technology Administration, in a release of preliminary data, reported that U.S. airlines carried 0.7 percent fewer domestic passengers in December 2009 than in December 2008. The number of international passengers on U.S. carriers increased 0.3 percent.  The system, domestic and international load factors in December 2009 were all the highest ever for the month of December.

For the full year 2009, the number of scheduled domestic and international passengers on U.S. airlines declined by 5.3 percent from 2008, dropping to 703.9 million, 39.4 million fewer than a year earlier, and the lowest annual total since 2004. For historic numbers, see Traffic on the BTS website. The full-year system load factor of 80.4 percent and the domestic load factor of 81.1 were annual record highs.

For the year, U.S. airlines carried 5.2 percent fewer domestic passengers and 6.3 percent fewer international passengers in 2009 than in 2008. 

            See BTS Air Traffic Release for summary tables and additional data.

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DOT 46-10
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Contact:  Karen Aldana
Tel:  202-366-9550

Traffic Fatalities for 2009 Reach Record Low
Calendar Year 2009 Traffic Fatalities Continue Record Downward Trend

The U.S. Department of Transportation today announced that the number of overall traffic fatalities reported at the end of 2009 reached the lowest level since 1954, declining for the 15th consecutive quarter. According to early projections, the fatality rate, which takes into account the  number of miles traveled, reached the lowest level ever recorded.

“This is exciting news, but there are still far too many people dying in traffic accidents,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “Drivers need to keep their hands on the steering wheel and their focus on the road in order to stay safe.”

The projected fatality data for 2009 places the highway death count at 33,963, a drop of 8.9 percent as compared to the 37,261 deaths reported in 2008. The fatality rate for 2009 declined to the lowest on record, to 1.16 fatalities per 100 million Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) down from 1.25 fatalities per 100 million VMT in 2008.

“This continuing decline in highway deaths is encouraging, but our work is far from over,” said National Highway Traffic Safety Administrator David Strickland. “We want to see those numbers drop further. We will not stop as long as there are still lives lost on our nation’s highways. We must continue our efforts to ensure seat belts are always used and stay focused on reducing distracted and impaired driving.”

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration attributes the decline in 2009 to a combination of factors that include, high visibility campaigns like Click It or Ticket  to increase seat belt use, and Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest which helps with the enforcement of state laws to prevent drunk driving and distracted driving. In addition, the decline is also the result of safer roads, safer vehicles and motorists driving less.

NHTSA annually collects crash statistics from the 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico to produce annual reports on traffic fatality trends.  The agency intends to update 2009 estimates regularly as more data becomes available. The final counts for 2009 will be made available in the summer of 2010.  To view the preliminary fatality statistics visit:  http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Pubs/811291.PDF

END

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BTS 11-10
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Contact: Dave Smallen, Tel: 202-366-5568      
                                                                                                                  

BTS Releases Freight Transportation Services Index (TSI);

Freight Index Rose 0.4% in January from December

 

The Freight Transportation Services Index (TSI) rose 0.4 percent in January from its December 2009 level, rising after the index was unchanged in December, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) reported today.

 

BTS, a part of the Research and Innovative Technology Administration, reported that the Freight TSI index has risen 3.3 percent over the last eight months, starting in June. It has increased in six of the last eight months.  The index started 2010 with an increase in January, after having declined 4.1 percent during 2009 and 12.4 percent in two years. For additional historic data, go to http://www.bts.gov/xml/tsi/src/index.xml

 

The Freight TSI measures the month-to-month changes in freight shipments in ton-miles, which are then combined into one index.  The index measures the output of the for-hire freight transportation industry and consists of data from for-hire trucking, rail, inland waterways, pipelines and air freight.

 

The January Freight TSI of 96.6 is a 3.3 percent increase from the recent low of 93.5 reached in May.  In May, the index was at its lowest level since June 1997. The Freight TSI is down 14.4 percent from its historic peak of 112.9 reached in May 2006.

            See Freight TSI Press Release for summary tables and additional data. See Transportation Services Index for historic data and methodology.

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DOT 45-10

 

Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Contact:  Bill Mosley, Tel.: (202) 366-4570

 

 

Airline On-Time Performance Improves in January 

            The nation’s largest airlines had a higher on-time performance rate this past January than in both January 2009 and December 2009, according to the Air Travel Consumer Report released today by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). 

According to information filed with the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), a part of DOT’s Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA), the 18 carriers reporting on-time performance recorded an overall on-time arrival rate of 78.7 percent in January, better than both January 2009’s 77.0 percent and December 2009’s 72.0 percent. Starting with this report, Northwest Airlines is no longer a ranked carrier, having merged in January with Delta Air Lines. 

The monthly report also includes data on lengthy tarmac delays, flight cancellations and the causes of flight delays by the reporting carriers, mishandled baggage, and consumer service, disability and discrimination complaints received by DOT’s Aviation Consumer Protection Division.  This report also includes reports of incidents involving pets traveling by air, as required to be filed by U.S. carriers.

A news release on the report is available at (insert link).  The full report is available at http://airconsumer.dot.gov/reports/index.htm.  Detailed information on flight delays is available at http://www.bts.gov.

-END-

 

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DOT 44-10
Monday, March 8, 2010
Contact:  Bill Mosley
Tel.:  (202) 366-4570

DOT Fines US Airways for Violation of Price Advertising Rules

            The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) today assessed a $40,000 civil penalty against US Airways for violating rules that require airline price advertisements to disclose the full price consumers must pay for air transportation.

            “When consumers shop for air travel, they have a right to know how much they will have to pay,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.  “We will continue to ensure that airlines comply with our price advertising rules.”

            The Department’s Aviation Enforcement Office found that when consumers searched the carrier’s website for one-way flights sorted by schedule, US Airways provided a set of fares that did not include additional applicable taxes and fees, or any notice on that page that these additional charges would be required.  Under DOT’s requirements for Internet advertising displays, the full fare must either be listed on the first screen that provides fare quotes, or the existence of additional government-imposed per-passenger charges must be prominently disclosed along with a hyperlink that takes consumers to a page that describes the additional charges.

            The consent order is available on the Internet at www.regulations.gov, docket DOT-OST-2010-0001.

-END-

 

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DOT 43-10
Sunday, March 07, 2010
Contact: Duane DeBruyne
Tel.: 202-360-2935 
202-366-4570

Illegal Interstate Bus Company Is Ordered to Cease All Operations Immediately FMCSA Obtains Emergency Action to Shut Down Carrier

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Following an emergency request by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), the United States District Court for the Central District of California on Saturday ordered the owner of Tierra Santa Inc, the illegal bus company involved in a March 5 fatal crash near Phoenix, Arizona, to immediately cease all interstate and international passenger service.

The carrier ceased operation on the evening of Friday, March 5 at the demand of FMCSA.  Saturday's order makes that shutdown enforceable by the Court.

FMCSA’s complaint states that the owner of the bus company, Cayetano Martinez of Los Angeles, had previously been shut down by FMCSA, only to attempt to “reincarnate himself as a new carrier” and unsuccessfully attempted to gain U.S. Department of Transportation operating authority under a new name.

“Martinez has shown a persistency and determination to continue operating under new entities and business,” the complaint states.

The consent decree also prohibits Martinez, or any affiliated company, “from contracting with or arranging for additional transportation of passengers unless the contracted motor carrier possesses valid operating authority registration from FMCSA.”

The consent decree does not absolve Martinez from possible future civil penalties by FMCSA for violations of federal motor carrier safety regulations.

“It is absolutely essential that unsafe carriers like this one be taken off the road,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.   “Safety is our number one priority at the Department of Transportation and we will not rest until this accident has been fully investigated.”

“FMCSA investigators are working tirelessly so that we can prevent such a senseless loss of life from happening again,” said FMCSA Administrator Anne S. Ferro.  “We thank the United States Attorney’s Office for their outstanding partnership in bringing this emergency action forward so quickly.”

Click here to view the consent decree signed by Cayetano Martinez.

Click here to view the order signed by Judge George King.

END

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DOT 42-10
Friday, March 05, 2010
Contact:  Maureen Knightly
202-366-4570
Duane DeBruyne
202-366-0456

U.S. Department of Transportation Statement on Fatal Phoenix Bus Accident

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Department of Transportation's Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) announced that Tierra Santa Inc., the company involved in the fatal bus crash in Phoenix today, was operating illegally.  FMCSA investigators are on the premises of Tierra Santa’s place of business and conducting an immediate, onsite compliance review of the company’s safety operations. 

After submitting an application to receive USDOT passenger carrier operating authority in April 2009, the carrier was immediately notified by FMCSA via certified mail that they were “not authorized to engage in the interstate transportation of passengers by commercial motor vehicle during the application review.”  The carrier’s application was officially denied on December 14, 2009. 

“I am deeply saddened by this tragic accident and troubled that this carrier continued to operate without authority and without regard for the safety of its passengers,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary LaHood. “The Department will take every action at its disposal to keep companies like this one off the road.”

“Today’s accident is an unspeakable tragedy and our hearts go out to the victims and their families,” said FMCSA Administrator Anne S. Ferro.  “Two weeks ago, I spoke in Phoenix about the importance of tightening the application and screening process to ensure companies with a history of safety violations are not permitted to jeopardize the safety of everyone on the road.  Our number one priority is safety and we’re committed to preventing these kinds of needless accidents.”

END

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DOT 41-10
Public Affairs: Tel. (202) 366-4570
Friday, March 5, 2010

Vice President Biden Announces Nearly 200 New Recovery Act Transit Projects in 42 States
Awards Mean FTA Has Met Aggressive Deadline to Put 100 Percent of Recovery Act Dollars to Work

WASHINGTON – Vice President Joe Biden and U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood today announced funding for 191 new Recovery Act transit projects in 42 states and Puerto Rico that will help transform the nation’s infrastructure and support thousands of jobs across the country.  In making the over $600 million in new awards, the Federal Transit Administration met an aggressive deadline to award 100 percent of its Recovery Act transit formula dollars by March 5.

Since President Obama signed the Recovery Act in February 2009, the FTA has awarded 881 grants totaling $7.5 billion, which means all the formula transit funds provided by the Recovery Act have now been “obligated” or committed to specific transit projects.  Once funds are obligated to a project, contracts can be bid, workers can be hired, buses and rail cars can be purchased and work can begin on transit construction projects that create jobs and drive economic growth.  Recovery Act transit projects have already generated enough work to employ thousands of people nationwide and activity is expected to ramp up even further in the months ahead as new projects break ground and equipment orders are fulfilled. 

“Investing in these transit upgrades not only puts construction workers on the job at project sites, but supports American manufacturing jobs all the way down the supply chain,” said Vice President Biden.  “At a time when jobs are priority number one, that means twice the employment bang for the Recovery Act buck.”

“Because of transit projects being built with money from the Recovery Act, thousands of people can pay their mortgages or their rent, make their car payments, put food on the table for their families and maintain their quality of life,” said Secretary LaHood.

So far, Recovery Act funds have supported the purchase of nearly 12,000 buses, vans and rail vehicles, the construction or renovation of more than 850 transit facilities, and the performance of more than $620 million in preventive maintenance, which has helped to save transit service and jobs, and enhance service reliability. 

In addition to the direct employment impact of the projects, domestic bus, seating and rail car manufacturers have received orders that are helping boost production and support jobs.  For example, Orion Bus in Greensboro, NC has now received 10 contracts for nearly 300 buses with Recovery Act funds – orders the company says allowed it to maintain 176 jobs.  Gillig Bus in Hayward, CA has received orders for 790 buses with Recovery Act funds – work the company says has allowed them to support 395 jobs.  And American Seating Company in Grand Rapids, MI, a bus seating manufacturer, says they received $3 million in Recovery Act contracts last year, allowing them to add 11 full-time employees with additional job growth expected in 2010 thanks to the Recovery Act. 

“Investing in modern, efficient transit systems will mean safe, reliable travel and clean air in our communities” said FTA Administrator Peter Rogoff. “These projects are putting thousands of Americans to work right now while improving the lives of millions of Americans for years to come"

The U.S. Department of Transportation is making $48.1 billion available through the Recovery Act for all transportation projects, including highway and bridge, rail transit, small shipyards and airport construction and repairs nationwide.  Of that, $36.8 billion already has been awarded. 

The following FTA Recovery Act awards were announced today:

Alaska

Manley Village Council

$140,000

Purchase one 35ft. bus.

State Total

$140,000

 

 

Alabama

Alabama Department of Transportation
State of Alabama

$7,040,547

Purchase 3 replacement vans, 3 expansion vans;, Eng. & Design for two facilities.; Renovation of a bus facility.; Construction of a new bus facility; Real Estate Acquisition.; Preventive Maintenance.; Operating  Assistance; Purchase 11 35ft.
Intercity buses

Alabama Department of Transportation
State of Alabama

$1,023,565

Acquisition/rehabilitation of parking facility; Operating assistance

State Total

$8,064,112

 

 

Arizona

Arizona Department of Transportation
State of Arizona

$2,166,936

Park & ride lots; administration buildings.; vehicle storage lot

Yuma Metropolitan Planning Org./Transportation Planning

$14,991

Additional ARRA Funding to complete installation of card-readers in
every MSTII (MB) vehicle

City of Phoenix

$14,969,916

Purchase of 2 buses; Construction of four park and ride lots and Operating assistance

State Total

$17,151,843

 

 

California

City of Modesto

$35,500

Preventive Maintenance

City of Turlock

$194,532

Bus transfer hub facility

Orange County Transportation Authority

$500,000

Purchase 3 35ft. AFI replacement buses for the City of Laguna Beach

City of Vallejo

$439,212

Vallejo Multimodal Station

Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority

$69,776

Metro Blue Line traction power substation

Southern California Regional Rail Authority

$4,675,477

Rehab Track, Positive Train Control, Keller Yard storage, Central Maintenance Facility Guard, Insurance.

City of Vacaville

$115,330

Purchase 14 electronic fare boxes

City of Santa Clarita

$2,385,864

Construction of Two Transit Parking Facilities

City of Fresno

$1,200,000

Operating Assistance

City of Montebello

$1,925,000

Purchase 3 40ft. CNG replacement buses; Operating assistance.

City of La Mirada

$63,287

Bus security cameras and maintenance equipment

City of Fairfield

$172,340

Install 63 fare boxes

Sacramento Regional Transit District

$488,000

Purchase six replacement minivans; Operating Assistance

 

California

Golden Gate Bridge Highway and Transportation District, San Rafael

$244,279

Replacement of Bus Wash Equipment

San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District

$16,972,052

BART- Railcar and Station Equipment Improvements

City of Manteca

$649,009

Bus Passenger Amenities

City of Vallejo

$2,009,466

Vallejo Station

Municipal Transportation Agency/City and County of San Francisco

$18,221,874

Rebuild LRVs and preventive maintenance

San Mateo County Transit District

$2,045,371

Preventive Maintenance; purchase 2 40ft. repl. buses and 2 35ft.
replacement buses.

Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board (Santa Clara, San Mateo and San Francisco Counties)

$2,684,596

San Mateo Bridges Replacement Project

Western Contra Costa Transit Authority

$197,637

Preventive Maintenance and Generator Purchase

Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority

$12,251,784

Purchase of 20 40ft. buses

City of Union City

$77,123

Purchase of 2 35ft. buses

Eastern Contra Costa Transit Authority

$1,054,888

Preventive maintenance; Bus Lifts; parking lot repairs

Livermore-Amador Valley Transit Authority

$799,046

Preventive Maintenance

City of Santa Rosa

$983,249

Purchase 2 Hybrid Electric Buses

City of Simi Valley

$1,024,049

Garage modernization, ADA operations, and a wheelchair scale

Napa County Transportation Planning Agency

$721,312

Bus Rehab and Shop Equipment

Sonoma County Transit

$488,161

Replace 1 40ft. CNG Bus

Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District

$6,682,626

Preventive Maintenance

Central Contra Costa Transit Authority

$1,107,398

Preventive Maintenance

City of Vacaville

$527,655

Vacaville Intermodal Station

City of Fairfield

$788,484

Purchase 6 35ft. repl. buses

State Total

$83,937,377

 

 

Colorado

Colorado Department of Transportation

$2,152,195

Purchase 2 expansion buses;
1 replacement bus; 1 van.
Rebuild 2 buses; equipment; operating assistance

City of Colorado Springs

$4,238,893

Purchase 3 support maintenance vehicles., 30 paratransit vans; construction administration facilities
renovate passenger facilities.; security equip.; bus stop enhancements; operating assistance

State Total

$6,391,088

 

 

Connecticut

Connecticut Department of Transportation

$237,778

Marlborough Park and Ride Lot Improvements

State Total

$237,778

 

 

District of Columbia

Washington Metropolitan Area Transportation Authority

$1,605,000

Preventive Maintenance Costs

State Total

$1,605,000

 

 

Florida

Sarasota County Transportation Authority

$4,618,693

Purchase 2 35ft. hybrid buses; ITS, equipment; Transfer Facility

Lake County Board of County Commissioners

$180,067

Operating Assistance

Lakeland Area Mass Transit District

$3,928,562

Purchase 1 35ft. bus; bus shelters; operating assistance; misc. bus
equip.; construct rehab facility

Florida Department of Transportation

$3,063,695

Purchase and installation of a metal structure to provide cover to
vehicles; Intercity Bus Terminal Building; Operating assistance

Jacksonville Transportation Authority

$9,313,745

Purchase 9 low-floor 40ft. repl. buses; transit enhancement; Facility
Improvements; Bus shelter enhancements; Rehab/Renovation
Admin. & Maintenance buildings.; Cooling systems for buses; Park and ride lots; Bus shelters; Misc. Bus support equip.

Martin County Board of County Commissioners

$1,199,564

Administrative bldg./intermodal hub

Miami-Dade Transit Agency

$5,255,528

Purchase 3 30ft. shuttle buses; 2 30ft. mini-buses; 3 30ft. minibuses
for circulator bus routes; bus shelters; Operating Assistance

State Total

$27,559,854

 

 

Georgia

Cobb County Community Transit

$244,880

Additional funds for Cobb Community Transits paratransit facility and
Surveillance cameras.

Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Agency

$2,260,703

Operating Assistance

Henry County Board of Commissioners

$120,000

Construction of a Lube Shop; misc. shop equip.

 

Georgia

Georgia Department of Transportation – Office of Intermodal Programs

$3,233,800

Purchase 1 40ft. replacement bus, 3  replacement buses and 2 expansion buses; bus refurbishing, fare collection equip., ITS equip., surveillance and sec. equip.

Georgia Regional Transportation Authority

$636,298

Operating Assistance

Georgia Department of Transportation – Office of Intermodal Programs

$4,887,532

Purchase 21 Vans, 13 Shuttle Buses, and 2 Intercity Buses. Bus
shelters; Computers systems, Automatic Vehicle Locator/Mobile
Data, Security cameras, Communications System; misc. shop equip; Bus terminals; multimodal facility

Chatham Area Transportation Authority

$449,039

Operating assistance

Cherokee County Commission

$4,761

Additional support to purchase Miscellaneous Communications
Equipment

Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners

$217,880

Operating assistance

State Total

$12,054,893

 

 

Iowa

Keyline Bus System, East Dubuque

$44,139

Purchase 4 Mobile Data Terminals

Des Moines Regional Transit Authority

$1,300,000

Purchase 5 replacement buses; Admin./Maintenance Facility.; Misc. shop equipment; Operating Assistance

State Total

$1,344,137

 

 

Idaho

Kootenai County

$720,202

Acquisition of 7 40ft. replacement buses; 6 30ft. replacement buses; 1 expansion bus.

State Total

$720,202

 

 

Illinois

City of DeKalb

$5,063

Purchase a new Radio system

Commuter Rail Division of Regional Transportation Authority

$122,165

Bridge rehabilitation and/or reconstruction on the Union Pacific North
Line

Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District

$1,250,493

Renovation of admin/maintenance  facility

State of Illinois Dept. of Transportation

$9,725,615

Rural Transit Facility Improvements

State Total

$11,103,336

 

 

Indiana

City of Columbus/Columbus Transit

$888,815

Construction of Transfer Facility

Gary Public Transit Corporation

$725,000

Operating Assistance

Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission

$216,000

Centralized scheduling and dispatching center

City of Anderson

$1,550,513

Replace one 30ft. diesel bus; two replacement gas vans; three support
vehicles; operating assistance

City of Kokomo

$1,089,206

Transit Operations Control Center; 2 buses; operating
assistance

Indiana Department of Transportation

$7,644,142

Construction and renovation of administration/maintenance facilities

Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission

$1,669,770

Purchase 3 repl. vans, 1 expansion van; renovate bus station; miscellaneous bus support equip.; transit enhancements.

State Total

$13,783,446

 

 

Kansas

Kansas Department of Transportation

$4,552,177

Vehicles, Riley Co. Facility, Bus Shelters, Bus Stop Signs, Misc.
Equip

State Total

$4,552,177

 

 

Kentucky

Transit Authority of River City (Louisville)

$247,300

Purchase 2 replacement buses; 2  expansion buses and miscellaneous
support equip.

State Total

$247,300

 

 

Louisiana

Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development

$6,049,867

Miscellaneous Equipment; 4 50 passenger Inter City Buses; Bus Storage Facilities.

St. Tammany Parish Government

$1,000,000

Construction of Hwy 434 Park & Ride.

State Total

$7,049,867

 

 

Massachusetts

Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority

$13,900,000

Improvements to Ashmont Station.

Massachusetts Department of Transportation

$1,565,804

Rural Operating Assistance, procurement of 2 45ft. intercity
coaches, 1 25ft. hybrid bus, AVL equipment, operating assistance.

 

Massachusetts

Greater Attleboro-Taunton Regional Transit Authority

$199,947

Repair and Replacement of Ornamental Fencing at the Attleboro
Commuter Rail Station

Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority

$54,110,000

Operating Assistance and State of Good Repair Improvements to the
MBTA’s Rapid Transit Network

Southeastern Regional Transit Authority

$2,607,985

Operating Assistance and Procurement of 8 30ft. repl. buses

Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority

$90,000

Enhanced Security Camera System

State Total

$72,473,736

 

 

Maryland

Maryland Transit Administration (Baltimore)

$2,874,205

Additional funds for MARC Public Address System

Maryland Transit Administration (Rural areas)

$1,987,757

Purchase 3 replacement buses; 4 expansion buses
and 2 45ft. intercity buses

Maryland Transit Administration (Statewide)

$4,354,111

Facility renovations.; preventive maintenance; shop equipment, parking lot construction

Maryland Transit Administration (Baltimore)

$17,100,000

Bus Loop Pavement Reconstruction at MTA's Mondawmin Transit
Center; Heating and Ventilation upgrades; Light rail yard switches
upgrade; Replacement/Overhaul of 24 Light Rail Substation circuit
breakers

State Total

$26,316,073

 

 

 Michigan

Michigan Department of Transportation

$167,820

Modify buses with mini-hybrid components.

Michigan Department of Transportation

$524,072

Purchase 1 replacement Van; 2 expansion vans; facility improvements; bus shelters; miscellaneous support equipment.

Detroit Department of Transportation

$18,875,500

Purchase 42 40ft. low-floor diesel replacement buses and 4 40ft.
low-floor hybrid electric replacement buses; operating assistance

Michigan Department of Transportation

$12,443,615

Purchase 3  40ft., 4 35ft., 5 30ft., 28  replacement buses; Facility
renovations; Miscellaneous support equipment; Operating Assist.

Ann Arbor Transportation Authority

$2,290,056

Renovate/improve a transfer center; Expand bus storage capacity;
Improve safety and accessibility of bus stops; Operating Assistance

Battle Creek Transit System

$318,8889

Construction of a new off-street bus island facility for Battle Creek
Transit`s buses

State Total

$34,619,952

 

 

Minnesota

Minnesota DOT Office of Transit

$510,000

Transit Hub/Park-n-Ride Lot
Red Wing,

Minnesota DOT Office of Transit

$600,000

Web Base Routing, Automatic Vehicle Locators, and Hardware.

Minnesota DOT Office of Transit

$1,380,588

Modify buses with mini-hybrid components.

State Total

$2,491,588

 

 

Missouri

Missouri Department of Transportation

$4,904,603

Construction of two facilities and purchase of two intercity vehicles

Kansas City Area Transportation Authority

$1,820,424

Preventive Maintenance, Shelters and Operating Assistance.

Kansas City Area Transportation Authority

$1,092,881

City of Lee Summit Commuter Lot Improvements

State Total

$7,817,908

 

 

Mississippi

City of Hattiesburg, Department of Urban Development

$492,447

Customer Service Kiosk; Route Match Software; GPS equipment;
Miscellaneous support equipment; operating assistance.

State Total

$492,447

 

 

North Carolina

City of Fayetteville

$31,290

ADA accessible sidewalks.

City of High Point

$397,579

Operating Assistance & Misc Comm. Equipment

City of Greenville

$99,000

Surveillance equipment

Western Piedmont Regional Transit Authority

$138,568

Operating Assistance

Goldsboro/Wayne Transportation Authority

$90,000

Operating Assistance

Cape Fear Public Transportation Authority

$138,568

Operating Assistance

Piedmont Authority for Regional Transportation

$2,553,823

Park and Ride lots; Purchase 3 40ft. expansion buses and 2 expansion buses

North Carolina Department of Transportation

$8,081,515

Purchase 10 40ft. buses; 13 park and ride lot facilities.; construct 2 Administrative Buildings; Bus Storage lot; Renovate facility; signage

State Total

$11,530,343

 

 

Nebraska

Nebraska Department of Roads

$4,629,554

Construction of Six Maintenance/Admin. Facilities

State Total

$4,629,554

 

 

 New Hampshire

Manchester Transit Authority

$92,282

Operating Assistance/24 Bus Bicycle Racks

Greater Derry-Salem Cooperative Alliance for Regional Transportation

$14,975

Operation Assistance

Cooperative Alliance for Seacoast Transportation

$67,282

Operating Assistance

University of New Hampshire

$38,000

Dispatch/fleet communications system; New upgraded radios;
miscellaneous support equip.

City of Nashua

$67,282

Operating Assistance

New Hampshire Department of Transportation

$502,769

Purchase 1 replacement bus; 1 expansion bus; additional
funding admin./maintenance facility miscellaneous equipment; operating
assistance

State Total

$782,590

 

 

 New Jersey

New Jersey Transit Corporation

$52,403,812

Purchase 114 expansion buses; track renovations; Intermodal
Terminals; signal systems misc. support equip.

State Total

$52,403,812

 

 

 Nevada

Nevada Department of Transportation

$2,060,188

Purchase 2 replacement buses, 1 commuter replacement
bus; Miscellaneous  support equip.

State Total

$2,060,188

 

 

New York

Tompkins County

$2,175,000

Purchase 6 40ft. replacement buses; surveillance and sec. equip.

New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority

$5,748,905

Purchase 14  40ft. CNG replacement buses

Chemung County Transit System

$460,000

Purchase 1  40ft. Bus and Scheduling Software

 

New York

New York State DOT

$3,245,850

Purchase 20 replacement buses; 1 35ft. expansion bus; intercity replacement buses; Bus Passenger Shelters; Misc Support
Equipment; Bus Route Signs.

New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority

$4,396,596

Rail repair and rehab work at 5 stations

Orange County

$1,686,778

Operating Assistance

City of Poughkeepsie

$1,400,154

Design/Engineer work for transit hub project; Miscellaneous Communication equip.;
Misc. electric/power equip.; mobile fare collection equip.; prev.
maintenance. operating assistance.

Rochester-Genesee Regional Transportation Authority

$6,351,718

Purchase 8 40ft. low-floor/heavy-duty diesel transit buses;
Renovation of RTS Campus Facility.

Central New York Regional Transportation Authority

$168,550

Purchase and install 21 replacement bus passenger shelters

State Total

$25,633,551

 

 

Ohio

Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority

$9,346,772

Operating Assistance and Track Rehab

Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority

$1,022,509

Station Rehab & Track Upgrades

Central Ohio Transit Authority

$926,678

Paratransit/Small Bus Facility Construction

City of Middletown

$280,988

Operating Assistance, ADA Service, & Shelters

Portage Area Regional Transit Authority

$316,820

Renovation of Transit Maintenance and Storage Facility

Lorain County Transit Board

$11,532

Operating Assistance

Greene County Transit Board

$704,997

Purchase 10 replacement buses; bus shelter and operating assistance.

Licking County Transit Board

$216,355

Purchase of 3 expansion buses, communication & security
equipment; bicycle racks for buses; resurfacing bus storage
area/parking lot

City of Newark

$394,392

Purchase 4 expansion buses; computer equipment & software;
operating assistance

Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority

$2,150,816

Purchase 3 replacement. buses; Operating Expenses; Tire Changer;
Preventive Maintenance; Rockefeller Bridge Demolition

Ohio Department of Transportion

$9,197,000

Transit Facilities

State Total

$24,568,859

 

 

Oklahoma

Metropolitan Tulsa Transit Authority

$3,950,000

Purchase 9 35ft. and 3 40ft. repl. buses; Rehab Admin./Maintenance.;
ADA Paratransit Svc.

City of Lawton

$17,501

Purchase One Van and Cost Under Runs

State Total

$3,967,501.00

 

 

Oregon

Tri-County Metropolitan Transit Distirct of Oregon (Portland)

$4,250,000

Construct the Willow Creek pocket track light rail line; Replace
underground storage tanks; Install wayside horns on commuter rail
line; Install replacement bicycle locker units

Lane Transit District (Eugene)

$64,678

500 bus stop signs and poles along bus routes

Salem Area Mass Transit District

$1,314,353

Operating Expenses and Transit Centers

Oregon Department of Transportation

$38,400,000

Purchase two high-speed passenger rail train sets for use in
commuter rail service

State Total

$44,029,031

 

 

Pennsylvania

Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (Malvern)

$12,475,988

Renovations to SEPTA`s Malvern Station

Lehigh and Northampton Transportation Authority

$1,686,820

Preventive Maintenance & Security Equipment

Cumberland-Dauphin-Harrisburg Transit Authority

$2,035,039

Purchase four 40 ft. Buses and Bus Shelters

York County Transportation Authority

$2,430,794

Administrative/Maintenance Facility Property Acquisition

State Total

$18,628,641

 

 

Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico Highway and Transportation Authority

$400,000

Construct Bus Shelters

Municipality of Gurabo

$650,000

ADA equip., communication equipment, security equip., prev. maintenance, operating
assistance

Municipality of Vega Alta

$325,000

Purchase of 4 cutaway small transit buses for Vega Alta Transit Expansion

Municipality of Humaco

$150,000

Roof replacement

Municipality of Juncos

$943,750

Purchase 3 expansion buses, (1) expansion van; Maintenance Facility
rehabilitation

 

Puerto Rico

Municipality of Camuy

$474,949

Purchase 2 20ft. repl. vans and 2 40ft. 25 passenger exp. trolleybuses;
preventative maintenance

Municipality of Guaynabo

$2,000,000

Purchase 8 35ft. expansion buses and 6 expansion buses; transit
stop signs; radio comm. equip.

Municipality of Hatillo

$400,000

Funds for the construction of Transit Terminal

Municipality of Villalba

$680,000

Purchase 8 vans and 2 small trolleys

Municipality of Arecibo

$675,000

2 Trolleys; 2 paratransit vehicles; 32 Shelters

Municipality of  Dorado

$710,000

Purchase 3  24 passenger explanation buses; 2 paratransit 10 passenger cutaway small buses; installation of 8 passenger shelters and administration costs

Puerto Rico Ports Authority Development Department

$345,972

Completion of Ferry Terminal rehab/renovation; surveillance equipment; ticketing booth equipment

State Total

$7,754,671

 

 

Rhode Island

Rhode Island Department of Transportation

$253,273

Construction of Parking Garage and Station Platform for the Wickford
Junction Station Project

Rhode Island Public Transit Authority

$8,756,686

Kennedy Plaza Bus Lane Renovation., Bus Shelter. Install./Rapid Bus
Program, Maintenance Facility Improvements; Operating Assistance

Rhode Island Department of Transportation

$4,100,000

Construction of Parking Garage and Station Platform for the Wickford
Junction Station Project

Rhode Island Public Transit Authority

$238,972

Partial purchase of a low-floor hybrid electric propulsion bus

State Total

$13,348,931

 

 

South Carolina

City of Rock Hill

$410,000

Purchase 6 buses; Operating Assistance

South Carolina DOT

$604,111

IT communication equipment

City of Anderson

$109,622

Operating assistance and preventive maintenance

Central Midlands Regional Transit Authority

$1,155,912

Operating assistance; AVL; support equip.; preventive maintenance

South Carolina DOT

$4,345,000

Purchase 1 replacement bus and 4 cutaway replacement buses;
Renovation of maintenance facility;

State Total

$6,624,645

 

 

Tennessee

Tennessee DOT

$3,175,314

Purchase 23 intercity buses; ADA enhancements for vehicles, a ramp and bathroom; preventive maintenance, 3 intercity support vehicles; bus station support items; security/surveillance equip. computers and ITS equip.

Regional Transportation Authority (Nashville)

$1,900,000

Construct the Martha Station; Operating assistance

Metropolitan Transit Authority (Nashville)

$2,590,151

Facility Rehab

State Total

$7,665,465

 

 

Texas

City of Port Arthur

$1,159,928

Construct Bus Support Facility

Capital Metropolitan Transit Authority

$7,496,704

Purchase 7 buses; Operating Assistance; Pedestrian
Access/Walkways

City of Tyler

$776,031

Purchase 1 bus; Shelters, Renovate Bus Parking, Tyler Transit Depot
Improvements.

Via Metropolitan Transit Authority

$1,000,000

Purchase One 40Ft. replacement bus; Acquire P&R Lot

State Total

$10,432,663

 

 

Utah

Utah DOT

$1,088,016

Intercity Bus Service

State Total

$1,088,106

 

 

Virginia

City of Harrisonburg

$142,563

Operating Assistance, Security and Shop Equipment

Williamsburg Area Transit Authority

$350,000

Automatic Vehicle Locator

Transit District Hampton Roads

$1,000,000

Preventive Maintenance

City of Fredericksburg

$118,532

Operating Assistance

City of Danville

$699,042

Operating Assistance; Facility Rehab and Misc Equip for Danville

City of Charlottesville

$3,661,563

Purchase 4 Hybrid Vehicles; Operating Asst.; Shelters;
Amenities; Miscellaneous Equipment

City of Winchester

$150,000

Purchase new bus stop signs for fixed-route system and an
automatic stop announcement system for fixed-route fleet

Town of Blacksburg

$171,748

Operating Assistance for Blacksburg Transit

Greater Lynchburg Transit Company

$349,901

Operating Assistance, Benches, Computer Hardware & Software, Signs, Bus Washing Equip

Greater Roanoke Transit Company

$1,008,822

Operating Assistance & Misc Capital Projects

Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation

$4,940,400

Purchase 43 vans, 10 buses and 1 trolley bus and Miscellaneous Equipment for Rural Areas

City of Bristol

$106,260

Purchase 1 bus; 1 support vehicle; radios; computers; operating assistance

State Total

$12,698,831

 

 

Washington

Washington State DOT

$3,242,541

Vessel Preservation activities

State Total

$3,242,541

 

 

Wisconsin

Oshkosh Transit System

$29,877

Additional funds for the hybrid bus purchase program

Wisconsin DOT/Bureau of Transit

$8,830,634

Purchase 4 diesel buses;1 diesel bus;
16 gas buses; 1 diesel replacement bus; 15 replacement vans; 13 replacement sedan/station wagons; passenger bus shelters; bus
terminal; engineering/design of admin./maintenance facility;
Miscellaneous support equipment

State Total

$8,860,511

 

 

West Virginia

West Virginia DOT

$4,430,758

Purchase 4 replacement 40ft. buses; 7 vans; 9 support vehicles; shop equip.; facility improvements and operating assistance.

State Total

$4,430,758

 

 

Grand Total

$604,535,246

 

 

###

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DOT 39-10
March 3, 2010
Contact:  202-366-4570

Administration Officials, Elected Officials, Business and Community Leaders Discuss Clean Energy Economy Goals at White House Forum

WASHINGTON- Today, U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood and U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan joined other top Administration officials, state and local officials and business and community leaders at a Clean Energy Economy Forum.  

The group discussed the need for comprehensive energy and climate legislation and opportunities to create jobs, expand business opportunities, and drive innovation and economic development by building more efficient, more livable communities.   Administration officials also participated in a constructive dialogue with the attendees about their efforts which are spearheading our transition to a clean energy economy. 

"I am thrilled to join Secretary LaHood today to discuss the investments President Obama and this Administration are making to lay the foundation for a clean energy economy America needs," said Secretary Donovan. "Clean energy is the key to unlocking the potential of America’s economy and our ability to create jobs and build the kind of strong, sustainable, inclusive communities our country needs to compete and prosper in the 21st century."

"Moving toward a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable America is an urgent priority for the Department of Transportation," said Secretary LaHood. "Our partnership with HUD and EPA will help us refocus our priorities on smart growth strategies that will help Americans lower their household transportation costs, improve air quality by lowering emissions, and reduce our dependence on oil.  And we’ll spur the kind of economic activity that flows into communities when they focus on transit riders, pedestrians, and cyclists alongside cars and trucks."

Top Obama Administration officials have held more than a dozen similar forums and the White House and around the country, including regional Clean Energy economy forums in Colorado, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Washington State.

END

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BTS 10-10
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Contact: Dave Smallen
Tel: 202-366-5568  

BTS Releases North American Surface Trade Numbers for December:
December 2009 Surface Trade with Canada and Mexico Rose 10.5 Percent from December 2008
(State Rankings in Tables 5 and 7)

         Trade using surface transportation between the United States and its North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) partners Canada and Mexico was 10.5 percent higher in December 2009 than in December 2008, with a value of $58.5 billion, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) of the U.S. Department of Transportation.  The increase was the first over the same month of the previous year since September 2008 but the value of trade in December still remained 4.0 percent below the value in December 2007. 

      BTS, a part of the Research and Innovative Technology Administration, reported that the value of U.S. surface transportation trade with Canada and Mexico fell 0.8 percent in December 2009 from November 2009.  Month-to-month changes can be affected by seasonal variations and other factors.

      U.S.–Canada surface transportation trade totaled $35.4 billion in December, up 7.8 percent compared to December 2008.  U.S.–Mexico surface transportation trade totaled $23.0 billion in December, up 15.0 percent compared to December 2008. 
     
      Surface transportation consists largely of freight movements by truck, rail, and pipeline.  About 85 percent of U.S. trade by value with Canada and Mexico moves by land modes.
     
      See BTS Transborder Data Release for summary tables, state rankings and additional data. See North American Transborder Freight Data  for historic data.

                                                                                            -END-

DOT 38-10
Tuesday, March 02, 2010
Contact:  Olivia Alair 
Tel.:  (202) 366-4570

Secretary LaHood Applauds Passage of Highway Trust Fund Legislation

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood tonight applauded the Senate for extending critical transportation funding that has been held up since last Friday, disrupting work for thousands of federal and transportation workers nationwide. Kentucky Sen. Jim Bunning’s decision to block the legislation last week forced the DOT to furlough nearly 2,000 employees without pay Monday, temporarily shut down highway reimbursements to states worth hundreds of millions of dollars, as well as national anti-drunk driving efforts, and multi-million dollar construction projects across the country.

“I am pleased that the Senate has acted to break its logjam and extend the Highway Trust Fund for another 30 days,” said Secretary LaHood. “This means that our valued employees may return to work. It also means that their important work getting the economy back on its feet, ensuring Americans’ safety and keeping critical construction projects moving will be able to continue.”

Employees should return to work on Wednesday morning.

 

-END-

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For Immediate Release
Contact:  202-366-4570
March 1, 2010

Vice President Biden Announces States Meet Deadline to Put 100 Percent of Recovery Act Highway Dollars to Work

States Head Into Spring Construction Season with Over 12,000 Recovery Act Projects Funded, Nearly 7,800 Already Underway

CLERMONT, FL – At a Recovery Act construction site outside Orlando today, Vice President Joe Biden and U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced that every state and the District of Columbia met the March 2 Recovery Act deadline to “obligate” – or commit to specific projects – 100 percent of their highway Recovery funds.  Once funds are obligated to a project, contracts can be bid, workers can be hired, equipment and supplies can be purchased and work can begin on construction projects that create jobs and drive economic growth.  Every state met the target by February 26 and more than 30 of them did so at least a week ahead of schedule, putting a total of $26.6 billion to work on highway projects nationwide.  Vice President Biden and Secretary LaHood were joined at the event by U.S. Senator Bill Nelson (FL). 

“Construction projects across the country are already creating jobs and upgrading our nation’s infrastructure, but we’re just getting started,” said Vice President Biden.  “Because these projects were funded on-time and, in many cases, under-budget, we’re going to be able to put even more people to work improving our highways just as the spring construction season kicks into high-gear.”

“I’ve been to Recovery projects all across the country, and I always hear the same thing from contractors – this work allows them to keep people working and hire new people, and that’s what it’s all about,” said Secretary LaHood.   “The states have done a great job in getting all these projects out the door, but to create more jobs and continue strengthening the economy, we have more work to do.”

In just one year, funding from the Recovery Act has improved more than 33,000 miles of pavement across the United States.  Of the more than 12,000 highway projects in all 50 states and the District of Columbia funded through the $26.6 billion Recovery Act investment in highway construction, almost 7,800 are underway – and activity on infrastructure projects like these is expected to ramp up even further this spring as the weather thaws and projects obligated over the winter break ground. 

In addition, states around the country routinely received low bids that were 10 to 20 percent - and sometimes as much as 30 percent - below estimates.  These lower than expected bids are allowing states to stretch taxpayer dollars, complete additional projects and create even more American jobs. For instance, last year Alabama used $37 million in ARRA funds to repave a crucial segment of I-59, a savings of 31 percent over the initial project estimate of $53.9 million.  And in Alaska, the Glenn Highway resurfacing project was awarded at nearly 50 percent below the original project estimate. 

The Vice President and Secretary LaHood made the announcement at the State Road 25/U.S. Highway 27 construction site in Clermont, FL, a Recovery project that is currently employing over 50 survey, design and construction workers.  The $20 million project, which will run through December 2011, is expanding nearly four miles of the road from four lanes to six lanes, reducing congestion and improving commute times.  Prince Construction, the contractor for the project, says that the Recovery Act project not only saved the jobs of its own employees, but nearly 60 percent of the funds will go toward hiring subcontractors and buying materials which will help stimulate the economy and put even more Floridians to work.

More than 800 miles of pavement across the state have already been improved thanks to the $1.3 million Recovery Act investment in Florida highway projects.  Of the 588 highway construction projects funded in Florida, 308 of them are already underway. 

"Without Recovery Act money, Florida's economy would certainly be in a much deeper hole," said U.S. Senator Bill Nelson.  "The faster we get going on new roads and high-speed rail, the better."

The one-year milestone comes only two weeks after ground was broken on the Dallas-Fort Worth Connector, the largest investment of ARRA highway funds - $250 million toward the overall $1.02 billion project cost. Several other major Recovery Act-funded projects under construction include:

• I-4/Selmon Expressway in Tampa. Just today, construction begins on the $653 million I-4/Selmon Expressway Crosstown Connector in Tampa to provide direct access for the more than 12,000 commercial trucks that travel through the downtown to and from the Port of Tampa every day. The new Connector will alleviate congestion and create a quicker and easier way to get around for the city’s 340,000 residents.  The project relies on $105 million in ARRA funding.
  
• Nelsonville Bypass in Southeast Ohio.  Ohio is constructing a new, 8.5 mile, four-lane highway to divert freight traffic from US 33, which bottlenecks in the town of Nelsonville. $138 million in Recovery funds are helping fund this final upgrade of the US 33 corridor in southeast Ohio that will take traffic off local roads, which carry 1,700 trucks a day on one of the busiest truck routes in the state.
  
• Merritt Parkway, near Fairfield, Conn. $67 million in ARRA funding is improving safety for the estimated 60,000 drivers who use the Parkway daily by widening shoulders and installing or updating guard rails along 9.3 miles of one of the East Coast’s most congested commuter routes.
  
• South Westnedge Avenue Interchange on I-94 near Kalamazoo, Mich. Last fall, ARRA fully funded this $47.7 million project to fully reconstruct the interchange to ease traffic congestion along this key Midwest corridor that serves an estimated 87,000 drivers daily. One more lane will be added in each direction to widen the road from four lanes to six, allowing cars and trucks to move through Kalamazoo more safely and easily.

RECOVERY ACT HIGHWAY PROJECT ACTIVITY BY STATE

State

Projects Funded

Projects Underway

Funds Obligated**

ALABAMA

320

129

$511,924,313

ALASKA

26

13

$170,461,487

ARIZONA

186

161

$520,911,019

ARKANSAS

114

81

$351,544,468

CALIFORNIA

907

438

$2,542,150,125

COLORADO

102

63

$385,324,130

CONNECTICUT

137

37

$299,253,956

DELAWARE

32

27

$121,828,650

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

15

12

$123,507,842

FLORIDA

588

308

$1,345,151,413

GEORGIA

361

150

$901,585,680

HAWAII

23

13

$125,746,380

IDAHO

74

63

$178,878,631

ILLINOIS

747

505

$935,592,704

INDIANA

1087

818

$657,727,707

IOWA

233

213

$357,623,007

KANSAS

144

63

$347,817,167

KENTUCKY

107

36

$420,139,347

LOUISIANA

108

51

$429,859,427

MAINE

72

72

$130,752,032

MARYLAND

169

98

$413,934,777

MASSACHUSETTS

84

40

$378,205,755

MICHIGAN

716

462

$846,598,715

MINNESOTA

204

147

$505,264,177

MISSISSIPPI

169

68

$354,564,343

MISSOURI

328

200

$637,121,984

MONTANA

82

67

$211,793,391

NEBRASKA

121

64

$231,739,279

NEVADA

69

18

$201,352,460

NEW HAMPSHIRE

34

29

$129,440,556

NEW JERSEY

161

46

$651,774,480

NEW MEXICO

92

35

$252,644,377

NEW YORK

442

326

$943,968,723

NORTH CAROLINA

381

304

$730,409,684

NORTH DAKOTA

162

118

$167,146,497

OHIO

388

209

$918,827,030

OKLAHOMA

275

178

$464,655,225

OREGON

315

245

$271,625,676

PENNSYLVANIA

303

279

$1,027,679,012

RHODE ISLAND

63

59

$137,095,725

SOUTH CAROLINA

173

105

$463,081,483

SOUTH DAKOTA

51

33

$186,877,359

TENNESSEE

316

288

$572,201,043

TEXAS

450

320

$2,233,015,146

UTAH

114

97

$213,545,653

VERMONT

70

42

$125,791,291

VIRGINIA

136

22

$646,030,364

WASHINGTON

212

171

$491,589,894

WEST VIRGINIA

145

105

$210,852,204

WISCONSIN

398

308

$529,111,915

WYOMING

65

60

$157,616,058

TOTAL

12,071

7,796

$26,163,333,761

**The $26.1 billion reflects the amount obligated by states prior to funds transferred to other DOT agencies.  The full amount states obligated was $26.6 billion.

 

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DOT 36-10
Monday, March 1, 2010
Contact: 202-366-4570

USDOT Furloughs to Shut Down Critical Construction Projects
Secretary LaHood Denounces Political Games During Tough Economic Times

The Department of Transportation will furlough nearly 2,000 employees without pay Monday, temporarily shutting down highway reimbursements to states worth hundreds of millions of dollars, national anti-drunk driving efforts, and multi-million dollar construction projects across the country.

The action comes as a result of Kentucky Sen. Jim Bunning’s decision to block key legislation that would have extended several critical priorities for middle class families. That legislation covered tax credits for COBRA health coverage, unemployment insurance for 400,000 people, as well as the short-term extension of the Highway Trust Fund. The Fund supports all surface transportation programs for the nation – highways, bridges, transit and safety inspections, as well as efforts to encourage seat belt use and to fight distracted and impaired driving.

“As American families are struggling in tough economic times, I am keenly disappointed that political games are putting a stop to important construction projects around the country,” said Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “This means that construction workers will be sent home from job sites because federal inspectors must be furloughed.”

Because of the shutdown, federal inspectors will be removed from critical construction projects, forcing work to come to a halt on federal lands. Projects span the country, including the $36 million replacement of the Humpback Bridge on the George Washington Parkway in Virginia, $15 million in bridge construction and stream rehabilitation in Coeur D’Alene, Idaho, and the $8 million resurfacing of the Natchez Trace Parkway in Mississippi.  A full list of the FHWA construction projects affected by the furlough is below.

At the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the furloughs will disrupt safety programs that operate in partnership with the states and advocacy groups, such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP). The programs are designed to reduce traffic injuries and fatalities totaling 37,000 a year in areas including distracted driving, child passenger safety and motorcycle safety. Activities affected include national media and enforcement campaigns such as “Click It or Ticket,” and “Drunk Driving: Over the Limit. Under Arrest.” 

Assistance to consumers whose goods are held hostage by rogue moving companies will be unavailable during this period. And work addressing texting while driving for commercial truck and bus drivers, electronic on-board recorders and hours of service will also be suspended.

Employees at the Department of Transportation should report for work Monday morning as they normally would unless given specific alternate instructions. Furloughs will affect employees funded by the Highway Trust Fund at the following agencies: the Federal Highway Administration, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Research and Innovative Technology Administration.

Employees may find more information about the furloughs and when they will be able to return to work at www.dot.gov, as well as Secretary LaHood’s blog, Fast Lane, at www.fastlane.dot.gov. Information will also be available at Secretary LaHood’s twitter account, www.twitter.com/RayLaHood, and at his facebook page, www.facebook.com/sec.lahood.

Federal Lands Construction Affected By Furlough

 

State

Project

Cost

Alaska

Tongass National Forest road clean up

$1,100,000

Alaska

Coffman Cove Dock construction

$885,000

Arizona

Coronado National Monument main park entrance

$1,500,000

Arkansas

East Fly Gap and Gunner Pool Roads landslides restoration

$923,000

California

Sequoia National Park main entrance

$15,000,000

California

South Fork Smith River

$13,800,000

California

Golden Gate National Recreation Area road construction

$8,700,000

District of Columbia

9th Street Bridge replacement

$50,000,000

Georgia

Chicakamauga & Chattanogga National Military Park constrution

$634,000

Idaho

Salmon River Road Nez Perce National Forest consctruction

$20,133,000

Idaho

Little Salmon River Bridge Nez Perce National Forest intersection

$3,800,000

Idaho

Fernan Lakes Idaho Panhandle National Forest

$14,600,000

Illinois

McRraven Road reconstruction

$1,100,000

Maryland

Great Falls Park entrance road construction

$3,100,000

Maryland

Piscataway National Park erosion and slope damage repair

$89,000

Mississippi

Natchez Trace Parkway resurfacing

$8,100,000

 

Mississippi

 

Natchez Trace Parkway trail construction (Ridgeland County)

 

5,600,000

Mississippi

Vicksburg National Military Park road rehabilitation and resurfacing

$5,000,000

Mississippi

Natchez Trace Parkway trail construction (Madison County)

$4,700,000

New Mexico

Carlsbad Caverns National Monument roadway rehabilitation

$9,000,000

North Carolina

Newfound Gap road rehabilitation

$9,900,000

North Carolina

Blue Ridge Parkway reconstruction and resurfacing

$6,000,000

North Carolina

Goshen Creek Bridge replacement

$3,000,000

Ohio

Fitzwater Road bridges replacement

$4,400,000

Oregon

Beaver Creek Road Ochoco National Forest

$6,200,000

South Carolina

Ft. Sumter Historic Site entrance road and parking area rehabilitation

$262,000

Tennessee

Cades Cove Loop Road rehabilitation

$6,700,000

Tennessee

Shilo National Park tour roads and parking area rehabilitation

$3,000,000

Tennessee

Catossa Wildlife Management Area bridge replacement

$1,000,000

Utah

Bear River Access Road

$13,800,000

Virginia/DC

George Washington Parkway Humpback Bridge replacement

$36,000,000

Virginia

Blue Ridge Parkway reconstruction and resurfacing

$12,000,000

Virginia

Petersburg Park tour road relocation

$1,500,000

Puerto Rico

Vieques National Wildlife Refuge road and bridge reconstruction

$6,000,000

Puerto Rico

El Yonque National Forest slide repair

$3,000,000

U.S. Virgin Islands

Christiansted Bypass construction

$14,000,000

U.S. Virgin Islands

Centerline Road reconstruction

$9,000,000

U.S. Virgin Islands

St. John roundabout construction

$7,200,000

U.S. Virgin Islands

Long Bay Road reconstruction

$5,500,000

U.S. Virgin Islands

University of Virgin Island sidewalk construction

$988,000

U.S. Virgin Islands

North Shore Road reconstruction

$448,000

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DOT 33-10
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Contact:  Doug Hecox
Tel:  202-366-0660

U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood Awards Nearly $10 Million
in Training Grants for Minority and Women Owned Businesses
Federal Aid to Help Disadvantaged Businesses in 33 States
           
WASHINGTON – U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood today announced $9.9 million in grants to provide training and other services to minority- and women-owned businesses in 33 states to help them compete for highway contracts.

“The U.S. Department of Transportation has an excellent history of reaching out to small businesses owned by women, veterans and minorities,” said Secretary LaHood. “Nearly half the contracts we award each year go to these types of firms.”

The “Disadvantaged Business Enterprise/Supportive Service (DBE/SS)” grants are part of an ongoing federal effort to help state departments of transportation train certified DBE firms on subjects ranging from contract and business management, to procurement assistance and how to secure bonding. The goal of the program is to help them successfully compete for federal highway projects.

“By helping small businesses like DBEs, this program enriches the competition for federal highway contracts,” said Federal Highway Administrator Victor Mendez. “More vigorous competition not only results in lower costs to taxpayers for roads and bridges, but more jobs for workers.”

A DBE is a for-profit, small business owned by minorities, women or economically disadvantaged individuals or, in the case of a corporation, in which 51 percent of the stock is owned by one or more such individuals. The daily business operations must be controlled by at least one of the socially and economically disadvantaged owners.

In 1982, FHWA began promoting the participation of DBEs in federal-aid highway contracts through the development of state-run supportive services programs. “Supportive services” are those activities that are designed to contribute to the growth and eventual self-sufficiency of DBEs so they may improve their ability to compete for federal highway contracts and subcontracts.
 
For more information about FHWA’s DBE program, visit http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/civilrights/dbe_program_i.htm.
           
The 2010 DBE/SS award recipients include the following:

State

Allocation Amount

Alabama

$384,312

Alaska

$158,920

Arizona

$417,468

Arkansas

$198,999

California

$867,114

Colorado

$294,573

Connecticut

$257,904

Florida

$279,353

Georgia

$235,658

Idaho

$  86,604

Illinois

$806,481

Indiana

$474,458

Kansas

$154,651

Louisiana

$322,525

Maine

$  96,325

Massachusetts

$201,662

Michigan

$419,766

Minnesota

$883,718

Montana

$230,862

Nevada

$231,730

New York

$418,686

Ohio

$331,836

Oklahoma

$  30,930

Pennsylvania

$335,179

Puerto Rico

$  65,199

South Dakota

$  81,925

Tennessee

$417,247

Texas

$220,929

Utah

$138,112

Vermont

$154,651

Washington

$170,911

West Virginia

$384,219

Wyoming

$126,014

 

 

Total Allocation

$9,878,921

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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DOT 32-10
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Contact:  Lori Irving
Tel.: 202-366-4570

U.S. Transportation Secretary LaHood Meets Iraq’s Transport Minister and Signs Memorandum of Cooperation

WASHINGTON, DC -- U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood met Iraq’s Minister of Transport Amer Abdul-Jabbar Ismael yesterday for a historic signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation to promote cooperation in all areas of transportation. 

“Reliable and safe transportation is essential to sustain any country’s economy,” Secretary LaHood said.  “I look forward to working with Minister Amer Ismael as Iraq further develops and improves its transportation system.”

The meeting marked the first visit by an Iraqi Minister of Transportation to the United States in over 20 years.  Iraq's Transport Minister was in the United States leading a delegation that visited U.S. civil aviation and maritime port facilities as well as holding meetings with government and industry aviation officials.

The signing of the MOC is instrumental in facilitating cooperation in transportation. Cooperation will take place through the exchange of scientific and technical information on subjects of mutual interest; the exchange of specialists, delegations, scientific and technical personnel; joint organization of symposia, seminars, and other meetings; and joint research in transportation science and technology.

END

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DOT  31-10
Monday, February 22, 2010
Contact:  Karen Aldana
Tel:  202-366-9550
 
New Sample Bill will Aid States in Banning Texting While Driving
Sample Bill Supported by Auto and Wireless Industries and the Safety Community
 
U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood today unveiled sample legislation to be used as a starting point for states crafting new laws to prohibit texting while behind-the-wheel, the latest step in the campaign against distracted driving.
 
The sample state law, prepared by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and a cross-section of safety and industry organizations, would authorize law enforcement officers to stop a vehicle and issue a citation to drivers who are texting while driving. 
 
"Texting while driving, like talking on cell phones while driving, is an extremely dangerous and life-threatening practice," said Secretary LaHood.  “This language, which we created with a variety of safety organizations, is another powerful tool in our arsenal to help the states combat this serious threat.”
 
There is heightened concern about the risks of texting while driving because texting combines three types of distraction – visual, taking the eyes off the road;  manual, taking the hands off the wheel;  and cognitive, taking the mind off the road. 
 
According to NHTSA research, nearly 6,000 people died in 2008 in crashes involving a distracted or inattentive driver, and more than half a million were injured. Research also shows that the most frequent offenders are the youngest and least-experienced drivers, men and women under 20 years of age.
 
"Our top priority is safety and we are determined to help the states eradicate the dangerous practice of texting while driving," said David Strickland, Administrator for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
 
The sample state law is patterned on the Executive Order issued by President Obama on October 1, 2009, directing federal employees not to engage in text messaging while driving government-owned vehicles or with government-owned equipment.  Federal employees were required to comply with the ban starting on December 30, 2009. 

In addition, on January 26, Secretary LaHood announced federal guidance to prohibit texting by drivers of commercial vehicles such as large trucks and buses.  Truck and bus drivers who text while driving commercial vehicles may be subject to civil or criminal penalties of up to $2,750.

Secretary LaHood announced the department’s plan to pursue this regulatory action at the Distracted Driving Summit he convened in September 2009.  The department recently launched a federal website, www.distraction.gov, as a forum and information clearinghouse.  Distraction.gov is a source of comprehensive information on distracted driving.
 
Currently, nineteen States and the District of Columbia have texting laws covering all drivers.  In 2009, more than 200 distracted driving bills were considered by State legislatures and legislative activity is expected to remain strong in 2010.  

Click here to see the sample bill and the groups that participated in drafting it.
http://www.nhtsa.gov/staticfiles/DOT/NHTSA/Rulemaking/Texting_Law_021910.pdf

                                                                                                   -END-

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BTS 09-10
Monday, February 22, 2010
Contact: Dave Smallen
Tel: 202-366-5568  

BTS Releases December Passenger Airline Employment Data;
December 2009 Employment Down 3.3 Percent from December 2008
     
      U.S. scheduled passenger airlines employed 3.3 percent fewer workers in December 2009 than in December 2008, the 18th consecutive decrease in full-time equivalent employee (FTE) levels for the scheduled passenger carriers from the same month of the previous year, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) reported today.  FTE calculations count two part-time employees as one full-time employee.
     
      BTS, a part of the Research and Innovative Technology Administration, reported that the December FTE total of 379,100 for the scheduled passenger carriers was 12,900 below December 2008 and the lowest total for any month since 1993. Historic employment data can be found on the BTS web site.
     
      Six of the seven network airlines decreased employment from December 2008 to December 2009.  Delta Air Lines, which is completing its merger with Northwest Airlines, was the lone network carrier to increase employment. Network airlines operate a significant portion of their flights using at least one hub where connections are made for flights to down-line destinations or spoke cities.
     
      Low-cost carriers Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines and Frontier Airlines also reported decreases from December 2008. Regional carriers American Eagle Airlines, SkyWest Airlines, Comair, Atlantic Southeast Airlines, Pinnacle Airlines, Horizon Air, Mesa Airlines, Air Wisconsin Airlines, Mesaba Airlines, PSA Airlines and Colgan Airlines also reported reduced employment levels compared to last year. 
     
      Scheduled passenger airline categories include network, low-cost, regional and other airlines. 
     
      The seven network airlines employed 258,100 FTEs in December, 68.1 percent of the passenger airline total, while low-cost carriers employed 16.5 percent and regional carriers employed 13.9 percent.

      See BTS Passenger Airline Employment press release for summary tables and additional data.

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BTS 08-10
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Contact: Dave Smallen
Tel: 202-366-5568                                                                                                                        

BTS Releases Freight Transportation Services Index (TSI);

Freight Index was Unchanged in December from November

 

The Freight Transportation Services Index (TSI) was unchanged in December from its November level, after one monthly increase, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) reported today.

 

BTS, a part of the Research and Innovative Technology Administration, reported that though the Freight TSI declined 4.1 percent during 2009 the index increased 2.9 percent over the last seven months of the year, beginning in June. For additional historical data, go to http://www.bts.gov/xml/tsi/src/index.xml

 

The Freight TSI measures the month-to-month changes in freight shipments in ton-miles, which are then combined into one index.  The index measures the output of the for-hire freight transportation industry and consists of data from for-hire trucking, rail, inland waterways, pipelines and air freight.

 

The December Freight TSI of 96.2 is a 2.9 percent increase from the recent low of 93.5 reached in May.  In May, the index was at its lowest level since June 1997. The Freight TSI is down 14.8 percent from its historic peak of 112.9 reached in May 2006.

 

            See Freight TSI Press Release for summary tables and additional data. See Transportation Services Index for historic data and methodology.

END

 

 

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