Snowe Initiatives on Downeaster, UMaine's Bridge in a Backpack, & Veterans' Commercial Driver's Licenses Pass Senate

Press Release

U.S. Senator Olympia J. Snowe (R-Maine), a senior member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and the Senate Committee on Finance, today hailed passage of the surface transportation authorization bill, "Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century" (S.1813). The legislation includes a number of crucial measures by Senator Snowe, such as support for technologies like Bridge in a Backpack at the University of Maine, the Downeaster, scenic byways, and veterans seeking to obtain a Commercial Driver's License (CDL). The bill passed by a vote of 74 to 22.

Senator Snowe said:

"I am incredibly pleased my measures were passed today in the Senate version of the highway bill, legislation that is vital for our great state and nation. This bill includes my amendment saving funding for the Downeaster, which has time and again proven itself as an indispensable economic boon for Maine. Throughout my career, I have worked to ensure the long-term vitality of our state's rail system and the Downeaster could not be more critical as our state attracts commuters and tourists traveling throughout the Northeast.

"Following my request, the bill allows states to use federal funds to utilize revolutionary technologies in bridge construction. As entrepreneurs at UMaine have shown through the creation of their "Bridge in a Backpack" technology, states can save considerable resources while increasing the quality of our transportation infrastructure. Furthermore, National Scenic Byways Program funds have made great strides in Maine over the years by boosting economic growth in the tourism industry and ensuring access to the state's scenic routes. My provision ensures this program can continue.

"Finally, it is unacceptable that so many veterans, especially those recently returning from Iraq and Afghanistan, have found themselves unable to successfully transition into civilian professions for which they have already received world-class training. It is vital they receive our help to overcome the unique challenges and red tape preventing them from using their skills to contribute in the private sector and my bipartisan amendment will achieve just that by streamlining the process of obtaining CDLs for our nation's heroes."

BACKGROUND: The highway bill, known as Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century, or MAP-21, reauthorizes the long-term highway bill that expired in September 2009. In Finance Committee and Commerce Committee hearings, Senator Snowe worked with her colleagues on both sides of the aisle to move the bill to the Senate floor with strong, bipartisan support.

A number of Senator Snowe's key initiatives of were added to the bill throughout the process and passed today in the bill. These measures include:

Downeaster: Since the 2005 highway bill, the Downeaster received the majority of its operating funding through Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) program. In 2005, Senator Snowe led the charge to ensure language was included in the bill to allow flexibility for CMAQ funding to be used for passenger rail services, specifically the Downeaster. The 2005 bill expired on September 30, 2009, and was subsequently extended eight times by Congress. Without Snowe's amendment, the highway reauthorization currently being debated would not allow the State of Maine to use CMAQ funding for the Downeaster's operating expenses. Therefore, the Downeaster would have lost nearly $6 million a year. Senator Snowe's amendment restores the flexibility for Maine and other states that were using CMAQ funding for operating expenses on September 30, 2010.

Bridge in a Backpack: Following a request by Senator Snowe, language was added to the bill stipulating that the federal government will provide a 100 percent share for the construction of bridges when certain innovative bridge technologies are used, like those developed by the University of Maine called "Bridge in a Backpack." Typically, states are required to fund the construction of bridges at 20 percent and the federal government will fund the remaining 80 percent. Under Sen. Snowe's measure, federal funding will cover 100 percent of the cost to use these technologies.

Veteran CDL: Senator Snowe's amendment will streamline the process for veterans seeking to obtain a Commercial Driver's License (CDL). Specifically, the bill requires the Secretary of Transportation to immediately convene a joint study with the Secretary of Defense, the states, and other stakeholders, to assess the barriers to obtaining a CDL faced by current service members and veterans with the proper training and driving experience to operate commercial vehicles. Upon completing the study, the Secretary of Transportation must make recommendations for overcoming those barriers and implement any recommendations for which he has the authority. Sen. Snowe authored the amendment with Senators Ben Cardin (D-Maryland), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minnesota), Jay Rockefeller (D-West Virginia), Marco Rubio (R-Florida), Jon Tester (D-Montana), and Roger Wicker (R-Mississippi).

Scenic Byways: The Scenic Byways program provides funding for the maintenance of roadways and tourism facilities along scenic routes throughout the United States. Without Sen. Snowe's measure, the highway bill text allows funding to be used for the roadway, but eliminates the ability to use funding for advertising or tourism activities. Maine's scenic byways primarily use their funding for maintenance of their website, and advertising. Sen. Snowe's amendment makes these activities eligible for funding.

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