$67 billion DOT budget sought

The Bush Administration requested $67 billion for fiscal year 2008 to finance key transportation construction, congestion relief and safety programs, and to provide the framework for reforming the aviation system. Included in that amount is a record $42 billion for highway construction and safety programs.

The budget request proposes overall transportation safety funding of $20.3 billion. Included in that amount is $188.5 million for reducing the incidence and severity of commercial truck and bus crashes by advancing motor carrier standards and rulemaking; increasing compliance with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulations through enforcement operations; enforcing border safety regulations; extending motor carrier safety education; overseeing certification of physical qualifications to operate motor carriers; and improving safety information and analysis; enhancing technological solutions.

The 2008 budget also requests $175 million to cut traffic congestion by developing commuter traffic information systems, accelerating construction along trade and travel corridors and helping metropolitan areas test new solutions. The budget request includes $1.3 billion for commuter rail and transit projects for urban areas and $100 million for transit projects in smaller towns and rural areas.