Coalition for Smarter Growth Statement
on the Federal Transportation Bill

Transportation Equity Act - Passed July 29, 2005

On July 29, 2005 Congress passed the most recent federal transportation bill which provides $286 billion to states and localities for all forms of transportation. The law also sets transportation policy for the country, guiding how money can be spent, what issues must be addressed and public participation in the process.

In general, Congress stayed the course on existing federal transportation policy by keeping faith with the core principles set fort in the landmark 1991 ISTEA law. In reaching a final agreement, Congressional transportation leaders often drew upon the best features of the House and Senate proposals as the STPP coalition recommended.

However, an all time high of $22 billion in earmarks, nearly 10% of the federal funding represents a lobbying frenzy, not a rational prioritization scheme within a public process at the state and local level. It is important to note that most of these earmarks are NOT extra money but rather funding the state would have gotten regardless. The earmarks from Congress just dictate exactly how that money will be spent.

We remain concerned that too many of the projects are disconnected from better land use planning needed to reduce traffic congestion. In short, our leaders have failed to do enough to link billions in transportation dollars to better land use and more transportation choices that would reduce the growth in driving, traffic and energy consumption.

We fear more of the same based on the "we just need more money" rhetoric coming from some sectors of the business and development industry in Virginia and Maryland. Instead, we call on state officials in Maryland and Virginia to tie transportation funding to better land use planning and to traffic reduction goals achieved by reducing the growth in driving.

List of earmarks in DC, MD & VA

Press Release from Surface Transportation Policy Project on the bill

Press Release from the Shenandoah Valley Network regarding the I-81 project

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