The Obama Administration released its proposed federal budget today. As noted in the State of the Union address, Obama views transportation infrastructure spending as an important investment for the future of the US. The highlights of the transportation budget can be seen here.
While the budget highlights new spending for high speed passenger rail, it also takes a “fix-it-first” approach to highway and transit grants. This approach focuses on the conditions of existing infrastructure. As Atlanta prioritizes projects for the regional referendum it would be wise to take a similar approach. Not only are we not operating our existing transit system at its highest capacity, MARTA has significant maintenance needs.
As promised the Obama budget contains no earmarks and seeks to cancel long dormant earmarks. This could include the funds for the Lovejoy commuter rail line.
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