Industry report lays out COVID-19 relief funding to DOTs by state Industry report lays out COVID-19 relief funding to DOTs by state Latest package sends nearly $10 billion to DOTs across the country Pam / Thursday, January 21, 2021 0 6158 Article rating: No rating The latest COVID-19 relief package passed by Congress included nearly $10 billion in federal funds for transportation as reported here last month. The vast majority of that money--$9.8 billion—will go to state departments of transportation (DOTs) across the country. Industry publication Construction Dive has now gathered details of the amounts expected to go to each state DOT as well as the DOT for the nation’s capital, and created a chart detailing the allotments. Its report also details how the money will be allotted and indicates that the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is to distribute the funds within 30 days of the bill’s signing by former President Donald Trump, which took place Dec. 27. Read more
USDOT releases 'Automated Vehicles Comprehensive Plan' USDOT releases 'Automated Vehicles Comprehensive Plan' The plan is available on the Federal Register for public comments Pam / Wednesday, January 13, 2021 0 8611 Article rating: No rating The U.S. Department of Transportation this week released an “Automated Vehicles Comprehensive Plan” (AVCP) that details a multi-pronged approach that “prioritizes safety while preparing for the future of transportation,” according to a statement announcing the plan. “This comprehensive plan lays out a vision for the safe integration of automated vehicles into America’s transportation system while ensuring that legitimate concerns about safety, security and privacy are addressed,” Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao said in the statement. Public comments should be made within 60 days of the posting. Read more
2021 Convention general sessions will inspire, inform and entertain 2021 Convention general sessions will inspire, inform and entertain Keynote speaker Chad Hymas will share lessons learned about adapting to change following an accident that left him a quadriplegic Pam / Tuesday, January 12, 2021 0 7185 Article rating: No rating ATSSA’s 51st Annual Convention & Traffic Expo’s general sessions will inspire and inform, including insights from keynote speaker Chad Hymas, who was forced to rework everything in his life after a ranch accident left him a quadriplegic. Hymas will share about his experience adapting to change and offer lessons on leadership, teamwork and customer service to employ in your workplace. This year’s general sessions stretch over two days and are jampacked with valuable information including panels on the industry, innovation and government advocacy. Read more
Citing Capitol riot, Transportation Secretary Chao submits resignation Citing Capitol riot, Transportation Secretary Chao submits resignation Pam / Thursday, January 7, 2021 0 5083 Article rating: No rating Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao today announced that she would be resigning from her position, with her final day coming on Jan. 11. In a letter to her colleagues at the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) posted to Twitter, Chao wrote, “Yesterday, our country experienced a traumatic and entirely avoidable event as supporters of the President stormed the Capitol building following a rally he addressed. As I’m sure is the case with many of you, it has deeply troubled me in a way that I simply cannot set aside.” Read more
Congressional leaders find deal on COVID-19 relief and federal spending bills Congressional leaders find deal on COVID-19 relief and federal spending bills Pam / Monday, December 21, 2020 0 6831 Article rating: 5.0 Leaders of the House and Senate agreed this afternoon to terms on a $900 billion COVID-19 relief package and a $1.4 trillion federal spending package, ending lengthy negotiations that had lasted for months. Included in the COVID relief legislation was $45 billion for transit, with $10 billion allocated to state departments of transportation for highways. ATSSA has supported the inclusion of funds for state DOTs throughout the year and made it the main legislative priority in any discussions centered around COVID-19 relief. In addition to making it a main talking point at the ATSSA Virtual Fly-In & Legislative Briefing in September, ATSSA also signed on to multiple letters alongside fellow stakeholders to push for Congress to include these funds. Read more