2009 one busy year for DOT

I'm really not one for looking back. While revelers are busy preparing to ring out the old year, I'm chomping at the bit to get 2010 underway. But DOT employees have worked hard this year in safety, recovery, livability, and more, and their achievements deserve a shout-out.

First, I want to let readers know how thankful I am to have been invited to join President Obama's Cabinet. This is a terrific honor, and the chance to serve the nation in this capacity is a truly special opportunity.

You may recall that Jon Stewart suggested to me on The Daily Show that being DOT Secretary is "not the most glamorous Cabinet position," but I am here to say that 2009 has been a very rewarding year for me.

In the confines of this blog, I can only mention a few highlights from the more than 30 major items on our 2009 DOT Record of Accomplishments, but you can review the list in greater detail here.

Here, then, is my "Top Five for O-Nine"

1. American Recovery and Reinvestment Act: through the most ambitious transportation infrastructure investment program in more than half a century, we approved funding for over 11,300 projects creating tens of thousands of jobs.
2. Campaign to end Distracted Driving: from the Distracted Driving Summit to our newly launched Distraction.gov website, we are reining in this deadly practice.
3. Air traveler protection: from new safety measures to record fines and new rules covering extended tarmac delays, we have the backs of America's airline consumers.
4. Livable Communities Initiative: an interagency partnership that will ensure Americans have safe, reliable, accessible, and affordable transportation to get them where they need to go.
5. Car Allowance Rebate System: better known as Cash For Clunkers, within a four-month period, we processed more than $2.8 billion in voucher payments for more than 21,000 automobile dealers who sold nearly 700,000 new, more fuel-efficient vehicles.

Now, before joining the Administration, I spent 14 years in the House of Representatives, and nothing I experienced in the House calendar quite prepared me for the full year of activity DOT packed into 2009. It turns out that DOT doesn't have any recesses, and, apparently, adding one is not within the Secretary's authority.

But that's okay because we are absolutely eager to begin chalking up another year of accomplishments in 2010. And tomorrow I'll be previewing DOT plans for the new year, so please stay tuned.

Which reminds me...one of the pleasures of this job that I didn't anticipate has been the opportunity to share DOT news with--and read the comments of--the readers of this blog and our other social media sites. So, thanks to all of you for your support on this page, on Twitter, and on Facebook.

Comments

[Bruce Normann]

Re. this Blog: I am continually amazed at the quantum leap in openness and transparency that has been achieved by this department's use of modern communication tools. The best part is that it's done with real spirit and enthusiasm. I beleive it's also a perfect reflection of the whole-hearted way you approach your cabinet responsibilities. I'm a relatively new member of the Federal Sector workforce, and I'm proud to say I serve the DOT.

[wedding registry]

I believe the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funded projects such as the Gold Line subway/railway extension into East Los Angeles. Los Angeles has the simplest rail and subway system in the world, and we need to continue to improve L.A.'s transportation.

[Michael E. Bailey]

This year looked like a bad year for disabled persons and bus and para transit service in Orange County with OCTA coming out with a plan in September to eliminate over 25 bus lines and all the para transit service that goes along with them. In November the OCTA Board made final decisions for the March bus service cuts that spared all but 6 bus routes. That was in big part due to bus users and para transit users writing letters, sending emails, making phone calls, going to meetings and getting major organizations in the county like the Regional Center of Orange County, Area Board 11 Orange County, Vocational Visions, Mission Hospital and several city administrations to also send letters and go to meeting of the OCTA Board to further pointout the impact on disabled persons of eliminating over 25 bus routes in the county. One of the 6 routes slated to be eliminated is the Route 62 that serves the Goodwill Industries workshop in Santa Ana and that is used by Westview Vocational Srvices clients to help them get to their workshop in Anaheim. Our People First Orange County Chapter President told us that over 63 Westview clients could lose their jobs in March as a result of the bus route eliminations that were approved. But the Board can keep these lines, especially the 62 running if additional funding comes into the Bus Operations Fund. One additional sourse of important funding would come from Renewal of the Alternative Fuel Tax Credits for CNG, LNG, and Hydrogen powered buses. HR4213 has passed the House and is in the Senate Finance Committee. Section 403 of the bill has the renewals for LNG, CNG, and Hydrogen fuels. When passed and signed, HR4213 would provide OCTA with enough funding to keep the Route 62 line running saving the 63 Westview clients jobs and many more Goodwill clients jobs. People First Orange County was part of a delegation from the county that went to a hearing of the Assembly Transportation Committee in Los Angeles earlier this month to talk about the need for state funding for transit. (The state courts have ruled the state can't take money out of the Transit Operating Fund and use it for other things. But we are hearing that the state plans to cut way back on money to all forms of transit this coming year.) Best wishes, Michael E. Bailey.

[Wholesale Sunglasses]

It is no secret that L.A has a traffic problem. I give the DOT two thumbs up for improving it. With in a few years I feel it will be more manageable.

[Atlas Pasta Machine]

L.A. does have a huge traffic problem. The DOT is doing everything they can to make it manageable.