Chairman's Corner

Final Decision on Highway Funding Loans
By Jim Keaton, Barrier Systems, Inc.
Chairman, RSF Advisory Committee

After a year of debate and a possible dramatic reduction in FY 2003 highway funding, we are now down to the "homestretch." The U.S. Senate approved its FY 2003 omnibus appropriations bill January 23, 2003. The legislation would provide $31.8 billion in Federal highway investment - the same level as FY 2002. Under the measure, the airport improvement program would be funded at $3.4 billion (the amount guaranteed by AIR-21) and Transit would receive $7.18 billion. Senators must now go to conference with the House of Representatives to allow the chambers to reconcile their differences over spending priorities for the remainder of FY 2003.

Among the many differences to be reconciled is the final highway investment funding level. The House has proposed an FY 2003 highway investment level of $27.7 billion. While continued support for a $31.8 billion program in the Senate is critical, retaining this level of investment in the final spending bill is by no means a done deal. The Office of Management and Budget also was critical over the Senate's proposed highway investment level as "unsustainable." The Bush Administration has previously endorsed a $27.7 billion FY 2003 highway investment.

For news about the roadway safety issues addressed by the American Highway Users Alliance in its TEA 21 reauthorization plan, visit www.highways.org. The Highway Users is the parent organization of the Roadway Safety Foundation.

Sources: American Highway Users Alliance Rules of the Road, and the American Road and Transportation Builders Newsline.