KC Light Rail

Congressional leaders and the White House declared this week that the new transportation reauthorization bill released Monday is dead for this session because there is no agreement on how the $500 billion proposal can be funded. Congress will take up the new bill in the 2011 session.

What exactly does that mean for transportation in KC and the rest of the country?

a) DOTs, municipalities, and transit agencies put long-range plans not fully funded by the stimulus package (ARRA) on hold.

b) Congress must plug a $20 billion hole this year in the Highway Trust Fund — which pays for roads and transit — due to falling gas tax revenues. This is essentially an 18-month extension of SAFETEA-LU, the last authorization that began (also late) in 2005. This is in addition to the $8 billion infusion that game from the general fund last year.

c) Politicians realize that there is actually political support for raising the gas tax to fund infrastructure and transit improvements (i.e. perhaps wait until mid-terms are essentially over).

The good news for transit actually has nothing to do with this bill, but another bill that is working its way through the House today — Waxman-Markey, also known as the "cap and trade bill" or "climate change bill" — assuming your media outlet of choice is even covering it (OMG MJ!). Check this quote from the Streetsblog mother ship:

The climate bill gives the states 10 percent of its carbon emissions allowances, the total worth of which is projected to hit $70 billion by 2010, to invest in energy-efficiency projects such as solar power or "smart" electricity grids.

Today's [June 24] agreement allows 10 percent of those state allowances — yes, 10 percent of 10 percent — to help pay for transit expansions, new bike trails, or any other transportation efficiency project.

It's at least something, but it won't come soon enough to help stop service cuts slated to kick in this Sunday.

After some delay, the full text of the next transportation bill is here [PDF], thanks for Transportation For America. Highlights will surely be available in the next day or so as the blogosphere picks through each page.

NOTE: There is currently a disconnect between Congress and the White House whether this bill will stay on the legislative calendar this year (or even next year, for that matter).

NOTE 2: So yeah, forgot to address our month-long hiatus. We had a nice car-free vacation, took some time to refocus, and are now back in the swing of things. Expect regular posts going forward.

Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Jay Rockefeller (WV) and Sen. Frank Lautenberg (NJ) have created a marker for the next federal transportation bill being drafted by Rep. Jim Oberstar (OR). The marker dictates that the next bill:

• Reduce national per-capita motor vehicle miles traveled on an annual basis;
• Cut national motor vehicle-related fatalities in half by 2030;
• Cut national surface transportation-generated carbon emissions by 40 percent by 2030;
• Reduce surface transportation delays per capita on an annual basis;
• Get 20 percent more critical surface-transportation assets into a state of good repair by 2030;
• Increase the total usage of public transit, intercity passenger rail and non-motorized transport on an annual basis.

What affect does this have on Kansas City's chances for light rail? Any renewed emphasis on public transit usage, reducing VMT, or cutting carbon emissions would support an increase in funding for urban rail transit, which would in turn help KC's chances. Most vehicle trips are within cities, so that's where you get the most bang for the buck (second place would probably be high speed rail in popular 100-500 mile corridors). Current funding formulas would need to change dramatically since they are now focused more on commuting trips and the cost/benefit of serving them with a particular mode.

There have been rumblings, of course, that this is not a top legislative priority this session. We remain hopeful that will not be the case.

As a reminder, KC has a completed Alternatives Analysis for the "north-south" corridor along Main Street. All it takes now is the political will to go back to voters for a new, dedicated funding mechanism or the creation of a public-private partnership (see Portland Streetcar and Detroit M1-Rail).

Oh, and did we forget to mention that Oklahoma City is putting a light rail before voters in December? Yes, Oklahoma City.

Check it out here. The biggest item: modal equity (all modes would get an equal match instead of 90/10 for airports, 80/20 for highways, and 50/50 for transit).

The Missouri General Assembly defeated a budget amendment for KCATA emergency aid yesterday. We're back to being a city that's allowing fare hikes, service cuts, and layoffs. Yes, this was a choice our city leadership made without exhibiting any public interest in a back-up plan, leaving KCATA to fend for itself.

As we continue to starve the system we have it's clear there is simply no leadership on transit in this city whether it's for a light rail campaign or for preventing service cuts (that were 100% preventable).

Please take the time to thank Sens. Yvonne Wilson and Jolie Justus for their valiant efforts.

This just arrived in our inbox…

URGENT UPDATE

Kansas City's bus system needs your help TODAY!

In an unexpected move last night, lawmakers passed a stimulus bill that provided $12 million for St. Louis' transit system and ZERO dollars for Kansas City.

While we support the funding for St. Louis, Kansas City should not be left behind. Particularly, when our community has voted repeatedly to support public transit. Without this one-time funding, critical service cuts will go into effect in June.

There is still a chance to get money for Kansas City. The Senate Appropriations Committee meets at 1p.m. today.

We need your help to convince legislators to also provide funding for the Kansas City bus system.

Please use the contact information provided below to e-mail or call the key legislators considering this issue by 1p.m.. Please give them a simple, personal message based on the following important points:

* Tell them why public transit is important to you,
* Tell them it's an outrage that Kansas City isn't getting any money, and
* Ask them to include funding for the KCATA.

Thank you for your support.

Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA)

Legislator Contact Information

Please call and/or e-mail these three legislators TODAY!

President Pro Tem
Senator Charlie Shields
(573) 751-9476
charlie_shields@senate.mo.gov

Majority Floor Leader
Senator Kevin Engler
(573) 751-3455
Kevin.engler@senate.mo.gov

Majority Caucus Whip
Senator Tom Dempsey
(573) 751-1141
tom.dempsey@senate.mo.gov

Minority Caucus Secretary
Senator Yvonne Wilson
(573) 751-9758
Yvonne.Wilson@senate.mo.gov

Senator Gary Nodler, Chair
(573) 751-2306
Gary.Nodler@senate.mo.gov

Senator Rob Mayer, Vice-Chair
(573) 751-3859
Rob.Mayer@senate.mo.gov

If you have time, please also contact your own State Senator today! Click here to find your State Senator's contact information.

Thank you!