Last week, U.S. Representative Mike Kelly (PA-03) introduced The Transportation Funding Flexibility Act (H.R. 3050), which would amend Title 23 of the United States Code to eliminate the requirement that States set-aside 10 percent of Surface Transportation Program funds for transportation enhancement activities. H.R. 3050 would remove the 10 percent set-aside mandate for enhancement projects used for museums, education and preservation projects, including scenic or historic highway programs, landscaping and other scenic beautification. The funding would remain intact, but it could be utilized for any purpose the state chooses. Between 2004 and 2008, states allocated $3.7 billion to such transportation enhancement programs.
Representative Kelly issued the following statement:
"Right now, Washington's top priority should be getting Americans back to work and getting our fiscal house in order. I introduced The Transportation Funding Flexibility Act because, without raising taxes or adding to our debt, it will give states federal dollars to put toward high-priority infrastructure projects that will not only make our roads and highways safer, but will create jobs in the process.
"During these challenging economic times, we need to measure twice and cut once, using taxpayer dollars as wisely and cost-effectively as possible. States know better than Washington what their needs are, and H.R. 3050 gives them the flexibility to use this 10 percent set-aside funding for projects that meet their most immediate needs and can create the types of employment opportunities that we so desperately need right now."
H.R. 3050 was originally cosponsored by Reps. Marsha Blackburn (TN-07), Jeff Flake (AZ-06), Gregg Harper (MS-03), and Lynn Westmoreland (GA-03).