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The $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure law enacted last year provides transportation with “the heaviest federal budget I’ve ever seen in my 25-year career,” says the Massachusetts Department of Transportation. said Hayes Morrison, head of mobility at , in a speech last week. MOVE America conference in Austin, Texas.
But cities and states have to compete for the many subsidy programs that cover highways, public transit, and capital expenditures. Morrison added that funds are being distributed to 50 states, the District of Columbia, territories and tribal communities. For states and cities to get their share, it’s important to understand the federal government’s goals and how to provide data that helps them win grants, she said.
In Morrison’s view, the Federal Highway Administration is focused on safety issues. traffic accident death When pedestrian death It has been increasing in recent years.Morrison pointed out Safe Streets and Roads for All Grant Programwhich asked the city and county for real-time data to prove that their programs meet their safety needs.
The Federal Transportation Administration also prioritizes safety, Morrison said.high profile safety failure The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority conducted an FTA safety review this year.
But Morrison said the Secretary of Transportation is looking for innovative projects and projects that will advance electrification. The main sources of funding are Nationwide electric vehicle infrastructure Formula Program and Grant Program transit and the electrification of school buses.
Each grant program must go to a “designated recipient,” such as a state transportation department, metropolitan planning organization, county or city government, Morrison explained. In Massachusetts, that recipient is her DOT of the state. “I’m trying to balance what cities and towns and our own transportation sector want,” she said.
Morrison noted that much of the funding in the Infrastructure Act is simply the relicensing of existing programs, which are often more expensive. “It’s the same type of project, just getting more funding. [highway] bridge.
