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John S. Halikowski ADOT Director. Phoenix Chamber of Commerce Transportation Committee Sept. 22, 2011. My Focus Today. Current Events Update Federal legislation LTAF Status on future corridor study Future Events Long Range Transportation Plan Working Together.
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John S. HalikowskiADOT Director Phoenix Chamber of Commerce Transportation Committee Sept. 22, 2011
My Focus Today • Current Events Update • Federal legislation • LTAF • Status on future corridor study • Future Events • Long Range Transportation Plan • Working Together
FAA, SAFETEA-LU and Gas Tax Extensions • Congress passed a six-month extension for surface transportation program and gas tax (through March 31, 2012). • A four-month extension also was passed for FAA (through Jan. 31, 2012). • Extensions were signed by the President on Sept. 16.
SAFETEA-LU Reauthorization • Both House and Senate have released proposals for reauthorization. • Reauthorization proposals call for different funding levels ($27 billion v. $109 billion) and cover different time periods (six years v. two years). • Congress is still trying to resolve outstanding issues with FAA reauthorization.
FY 2012 Appropriation • Both the House and Senate are working on appropriation bills. • House bill would cut highway and transit spending more than 30 percent to $27 billion. • That’s a $14 billion reduction from current levels. • The Senate bill may include more funding than the House bill. • A continuing resolution is expected to keep the federal government running through mid-November.
President’s Jobs Bill • President has outlined $447 billion proposal to create jobs, calling for: • $50 billion on transportation programs • $10 billion to capitalize a new national infrastructure bank • continuation of the payroll tax cut and unemployment benefits
LTAF II • Court ruling expected Sept. 23 on whether funds will be restored statewide or limited to the Phoenix air quality non-attainment area. • Before the program was eliminated, LTAF funds were distributed directly to local jurisdictions by the State Treasurers Office.
Future Corridor Study • Joint study will start in early 2012. • Study will look at the feasibility and economic benefits of a corridor for interstate commerce on a north-south route between Nevada and Arizona. • The study will take approximately 18 months to complete. • State Transportation Board subcommittee will work with staff on the Arizona portion of the study.
Everybody’s Priorities for the Future • Arizona at a crossroad • What kind of transportation system? • Funding sources? • Funding distribution? • Governance?
Strategic Investment Opportunities Five from • Improve Mobility and Accessibility • Support Economic Development • Link Transportation and Land Use • Protect the Environment and Natural Resources • Enhance Safety and Security
Strategic Investment Opportunities Three more • Preserve and Maintain the System • Strengthen Partnerships • Promote Fiscal Stewardship
Enhancing safety and security Linking transportation and land use Protecting the environment, natural resources and our cultural heritage Supporting economic development Improving mobility and accessibility
Long Range Transportation Plan • What are transportation priorities, how do we pay? • 2035: Focusing the Vision • Fiscally constrained • Emphasis on sustainable investment choices, not projects • Performance based
Working Together • What happens next? • Stay tuned this fall for the Long Range Transportation Plan • Long-term extension of SAFETEA-LU if Congress can’t pass a new bill • Flexibility to allow federal funds to be used where needed most • Infrastructure projects provide jobs; stimulate economic growth