Transportation

Our nation's infrastructure (roads, bridges, airports, rail, water) is the backbone of our nation's economy -- and it is deteriorating at an alarming rate. Without a first-class, multi-modal transportation network, our economy will suffer and our global competitiveness will be threatened. Our level of investment has fallen to dangerously low levels when compared to the need to do vital maintenance and new projects to meet today's problems. It is striking that China in 2008 invested 9 percent of its Gross Domestic Product in infrastructure compared with only 2.4 percent here in the U.S.

As a senior Member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, ensuring adequate and sound investment in our transportation systems is a major priority for Rep. Petri. On a national level, he has been committed to enacting policies that address federal needs such as ensuring efficient movement of freight in interstate commerce and modernizing our antiquated air traffic control system to reduce delays at airports and in the skies. On a local level, he has successfully worked over many years to lift Wisconsin out of a donor state status in terms of federal highway aid by ensuring that Wisconsin receives back its fair share of federal transportation funds.

Many major transportation programs are scheduled to be reauthorized during the 111th Congress. The largest of these will be the reauthorization of our primary surface transportation programs (highways, transit, safety). The current program authorizations expired on September 30, 2009, and action on a reauthorization bill has been delayed due to lack of resources to adequately fund the program. It is currently operating under a series of extensions. The last bill was the $284 billion, 6-year Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient, Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users. Highlights of SAFETEA LU are listed below. The new bill, when finally considered, will set the course for transportation investment for years to come and major issues to be considered include: source of revenues and levels of investment, tolling and private sector participation, federal role, program structure and streamlining, and distribution of funds among the states.

As the ranking Republican Member of the Aviation Subcommittee, a major priority for Rep. Petri will be the FAA Reauthorization bill. Although the House passed its four-year reauthorization bill in September of 2007, the Senate never passed its version of the reauthorization. The program has been operating under a series of short-term extensions, and the House has once again passed an FAA Reauthorization bill in the 111th Congress.

AVIATION

In the 111th Congress, Congressman Petri serves as the Ranking Republican on the Aviation Subcommittee. This subcommittee oversees our national aviation program and the Federal Aviation Administration within the U.S. Department of Transportation. Issues under the Subcommittee's jurisdiction include aviation infrastructure, aviation safety, operational and administrative matters within the FAA, and the air traffic control system. The Subcommittee also has oversight and legislative jurisdiction over the National Transportation Safety Board, an independent federal agency that investigates transportation accidents and makes recommendations, as appropriate, based on the outcome of the investigation.

In September 2007, the House passed H.R. 2881, the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2007, a four-year authorization bill that would reauthorize FAA programs and the aviation taxes that pay for many of the aviation capital improvement programs through 2011 (the current program expired September 30, 2007). However, the Senate did not act on its version of the bill, so the reauthorization begins again in the 111th Congress.

H.R. 915, the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2009, was introduced on February 9, 2009, and approved by the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee on March 5, 2009. It was passed by the House by a vote of 277-136 on May 21, 2009. H.R. 915 increases federal investment in aviation infrastructure, with funding for grants to airports (through the Airport Improvement Program which is funded by various aviation taxes) increased to a total of $16.2 billion over four years. The Facilities and Equipment program (which funds air traffic control towers and the like) is increased to $13.4 billion. One of the most important initiatives underway at the FAA -- and funded in this bill -- is the modernization of our air traffic control system, known as Next Gen. This is a top priority for Rep. Petri, and the goal is to move away from antique 50-year old ground-based technology to a modern, satellite-based system in order to increase capacity, lower costs, and increase safety. The House rejected proposals to shift to a user fee system and instead increased fuel taxes paid by general and business aviation (note the Ways and Means Committee has jurisdiction over fuel tax increases and approved increases in the bill last year).

There are frequent horror stories of passengers trapped on planes for hours, either due to weather delays or other reasons. While the weather can't be controlled and long-term capacity enhancements to reduce delays must be completed, stranded passengers must be treated with respect and in a safe manner. H.R. 915 contains several consumer protection provisions to guard against some of the experiences of the past and also establishes a process to avoid clear over-scheduling that inevitably leads to delay. The bill includes numerous provisions which improve on safety, provide for noise mitigation and enhance other environmental initiatives.

While Rep. Petri supported the overwhelming majority of provisions in H.R. 915, a few controversial provisions were included in the bill that resulted in his voting against the bill. Nevertheless, he was pleased that the process is moving forward and will work to resolve these problematic provisions as the bill is finalized with the Senate and the Administration.

THE SAFE, ACCOUNTABLE, FLEXIBLE, EFFICIENT TRANSPORTATION ACT: A LEGACY FOR USERS (SAFETEA-LU)

On July 29, 2005, Congress gave final approval to H.R. 3, a bill to reauthorize our nation's highway, transit and safety programs through fiscal year 2009. As the then-Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Highways, Transit and Pipelines, Rep. Petri was a key player in the legislation. SAFETEA-LU provides a total of $286.4 billion in guaranteed spending from fiscal years 2004 through 2009. The program is funded from federal gas taxes paid into the Highway Trust Fund (with the exception of a small portion of the transit program). SAFETEA LU expires on September 30, 2009, and so the 111th Congress will take up a long-term reauthorization bill.

SAFETEA-LU was a major win for Wisconsin. The State will receive a 30 percent increase in highway funds over the previous authorization period. Wisconsin will receive an average of $712 million per year in federal highway funds, compared to $546 million on average previously. In addition, the State's rate of return (federal highway dollars received compared to federal gas taxes sent to Washington) remains positive and is expected to average 1.06 over the life of the bill.

Other highlights of SAFETEA-LU include:

Highways

Statewide Highway Funding:

• SAFETEA-LU -- Wisconsin's formula highway funds will increase over 30% over TEA 21 levels. Wisconsin will receive an average of $711.9 million per year in formula highway funding. Average rate of return is 1.06
• TEA 21 (1998-2003) -- Wisconsin received average of $546 million per year in formula highway funding. Average rate of return was 1.02

• $28 million - Construct Lake Butte des Morts Bridge, U.S. Highway 41, Winnebago County, WI
• $24 million - Expand STH 23, County Highway OJ to U.S. Highway 41, WI
• $10 million - Replace Wisconsin Street Bridge (STH 44), Oshkosh, WI
• $13 million - Reconstruct U.S. Highway 41 North of Lake Butte des Morts Bridge, WI
• $ 5 million - Pioneer Road Rail Grade Separation, Fond du Lac, WI (note: Senator Kohl added $1 million - total of $6 million)
• $ 6 million - Replace 17th Street Lift Bridge, Two Rivers, WI (note: Senator Kohl added $2 million - total of $8 million)
• $ 4 million - Recondition STH 16 from Columbus to STH 26, Dodge County, WI
• $ 4 million - Expand USH 45 between CTH G and Winchester, Winnebago County, WI
• $ 3 million - Construct U.S. Highway 151 between CTH D and STH 175, Fond du Lac County, WI
• $ 1 million - Improve Superior Avenue: Interstate 43 to State Highway 32, Sheboygan County, Wisconsin
• $ 1 million - Reconstruct US Highway 41 - STH 67 interchange (Dodge County, WI)
• $ 350,000 - Construct North Shore Extension of Friendship State Trail, Calumet and Winnebago Counties, Wisconsin

• Designates as future Interstate (to be called I-41) U.S. 41 between Milwaukee (near I-94 via I-894 and Hwy. 45) and Green Bay (near I-43). This means the route will be designated as an Interstate if brought up to standards within 25 years.
• Includes additional $30 million in funding from the National Corridor Infrastructure Improvement Program for improvements to U.S. Highway 41 Corridor between Milwaukee and Green Bay.

An additional $30 million from the Projects of National and Regional Significance Program for reconstruction of Marquette Interchange is provided.

Funding from Nonmotorized Pilot Program -- Sheboygan County - $25 million

A new pilot program to provide funds to four communities for the purpose of constructing a network of nonmotorized transportation facilities (sidewalks, bicycle lanes, pedestrian and bike trails) that connect schools, recreational areas, businesses, and other community centers.

• Sheboygan County is one of the designated communities and will receive $25 million to carry out trail plan in the county (other communities are: Marin County, CA; Columbia, MO; Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN)

• Provides $9 million over four years for the State of Wisconsin to continue ITS activities in the Gary- Chicago-Milwaukee corridor and other areas of the State.

• Continues 10 Regional Centers, awarded competitively - one currently University of Wisconsin serves as lead (provides total of $9.25 million over 5 years).
• Designates University of Wisconsin as lead university for a "national university center" (provides total of $16 million over 5 years).

Transit Funding

• Wisconsin will receive $364.794 million in transit formula dollars, from 2004-2009.
• In addition, $13.669 million was secured by Rep. Petri for Statewide bus purchases and bus facilities, and an additional $5 million is provided to the State for transit intermodal facilities. [note: other Representatives and Senators have also secured bus funds.]
• In TEA 21 (1998-2003) Wisconsin received a total of $272.1 million in transit formula funds over six years. An average annual of $45.3 million
• Received a total of $20 million in bus and bus facilities earmarks in TEA 21 over two years.
• Average formula plus discretionary (includes TEA 21 and appropriations over the years) is $62.3 million]

Includes $2 million per year to State of Wisconsin to carry out a pilot program to increase transit services in underserved rural areas.

Other Issues

Household Goods

• Subtitle B of Title IV includes household goods consumer protection provisions -- fashioned after legislation Rep. Petri introduced in the 108th Congress (H.R. 1070).
• Provides for state enforcement of household goods regulations to try to increase enforcement (currently states are precluded from getting involved so you only have US DOT officials overseeing over 1.5 million interstate moves a year), creates new penalties, enhances onsumer information and education opportunities and other initiatives.

Rep. Petri was instrumental in including a provision that amends National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's section 403 research and development program to designate as a priority research, training and programs relating to motorcycle safety, including impaired driving. Directs Secretary of Transportation to conduct study on educational, public information, and other activities targeted at reducing motorcycle accidents, and resulting fatalities and injuries, where the operator of the motorcycle is impaired.

Biodiesel

Wisconsin is part of 7-state pilot program to allow those States to use Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) program funds for the purchase of alternative fuels or biodiesel.

Road Charge Pilot Project

Provides $12.5 million for a road user charge pilot to assess new methods of financing federal highways (in lieu of gas tax). Will include demonstration in different regions of the country in using technology to measure road usage and charge fees accordingly. A major focus is on ensuring driver privacy and determining public acceptance.

RAIL

There are many challenges facing both the freight and passenger rail systems today. For the first time since 1997, Congress reauthorized Amtrak in October 2008, including substantial increases in passenger rail funding and rail safety measures, as well as a federal grant for the D.C. Metro System and a proposed high-speed rail initiative for the Northeast corridor. Ten other federally-designated high-speed corridors were also included, with one running through Wisconsin: The Chicago Hub Network- Midwest Regional Rail Initiative, supported by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation.

Rep. Petri has consistently supported legislation that would provide grants for infrastructure improvements for small railroads and has been sensitive to the U.S. rail capacity crunch and 'captive shipper' issues. He has brought the Chairman of the Surface Transportation Board to the 6th District to meet with shippers and discuss concerns regarding rates and service.

The Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines and Hazardous Materials has jurisdiction over the economic and safety regulation of railroads and the agencies that administer those regulations. The transportation of hazardous materials and the issue of pipeline safety are expected to be considered by the Subcommittee in the 111th Congress.

Related Press Releases

• Petri Joins Sensenbrenner in Writing to Transportation Secretary on Defending the Rights of Motorcycle Riders, September 30, 2010
  
• Three Petri-Backed Projects In Transportation Bill Considered by House July 23, 2009