Bring on 2010; this DOT has its sleeves rolled up

As the New Year rolls in, pundits and psychics are making predictions left and right. Well, I've got one of my own: your DOT is going to look back on 2010 as another year to be proud of!

Here's just a preview of what's in the works:

• More recovery, more renewal: as more complex stimulus-funded projects get underway, we'll see even more Recovery Act jobs than in 2009, and more upgraded infrastructure. Two highlights that will arrive early in the year? $8 billion in High-Speed Rail grants as we take our first steps toward new American regional inter-city passenger rail. And $1.5 billion in TIGER discretionary grants to begin nationally significant projects in economically distressed areas.
• More safety: I am not about to lay down on this; whether it's distracted driving, impaired driving, or driving unprotected by seat belts, expect to see more from us on making our roadways safer for everyone.
• More livability, sustainability: as 2009 wound down, we made our first grants for livable communities in New Orleans; in 2010 the TIGER grants we award will include as criteria the project’s contribution to sustainability and livability. Also in 2010, the Obama Administration's Partnership for Sustainable Communities of DOT-HUD-EPA will continue to align our efforts to promote the Three E's of economic development, environmental protection, and equitable access to transportation.

Other items on our to-do list include:

• Continued implementation of the NextGen air traffic control system to reduce flight delays and fuel consumption.
• DOT Safety Council to tackle critical transportation safety issues facing DOT’s 10 operating administrations.
• Reauthorization Listening Tour will continue gathering input from stakeholders across the nation as Congress considers new surface transportation legislation.

I think this is a promising list to start the new year with.

Now, I love the holiday season as much as the next guy. Peoria, friends, family, reflection, the whole thing. But there is work to be done, and I am looking forward to it.

But, before any of us begin celebrating 2010, I urge you, everyone, please usher in the new year safely. Don't drink and drive.

Comments

[Danny]

Please do not forget our two best weapons in the fight against distracted driving:
- Charges of reckless endangerment
- Permanent loss of driving license

And for drunk driving:
- Sofas
- Trains

[baby registry]

I wonder what cities do they plan to make the high speed rail grants in...

[Jeff]

Secretary LaHood, I wish you the best of successes into the new year however I'm weary of the long term goals of DOT. China is investing $300 Billion for High Speed Rail in the next ten years while the United States has only reserved $13 Billion for the next 5 years http://tinyurl.com/ybwap38 .

Infrastructure equals sustainable and renewable jobs. The road repair and repaving approach to the spending of stimulus money is a band-aid for sustainability and worldwide competitiveness among great nations.

Again, I wish you well into 2010 but now, more than ever in history, you have an opportunity--and obligation--to achieve more than any DOT Secretary before you.

I urge you to prioritize High Speed Rail as one of the few means to true recovery and investment in our nation's future. Best wishes in the new year.

[Mark Neustedt]

It's great to see that you have a very aggressive schedule for the 2010 year.

It is great to see that the government is getting involved in High-Speed Rail as I believe that this is a very important step towards easing the congestion within our major city's.

[oinonio]

I'd like to see an encouraging of a partnership between rail agencies such as Amtrak, MBTA, Metro-North and carsharing services such as Zipcar. For day trips or business trips, this would serve as an excellent combination in many locations.

[C. J. Summers]

In 2010, I would like to see direct passenger rail service established in Illinois between Peoria and Chicago. The Peoria MSA is the third largest MSA in the state, yet has no passenger rail service.

Thanks!

[Carley Mattern]

I want to see more focus on public mass transit and making our streets safer for pedestrians and cyclists.

[MK van Bronkhorst]

Here's to a highly successful 2010 and progress on many goals, especially those suppressing texting behind the wheel. Thanks!

[National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association]

According to former US Ambassador to France and financial services industry leader Felix Rohatyn in his recent book, Bold Endeavors, “The Nation is falling apart – literally,” and “America’s roads and bridges…--the country’s entire infrastructure—is rapidly and dangerously deteriorating.” Rohaytn warns, “America needs to rebuild its infrastructure. It is a critical national priority, a costly long-term investment, and a visionary enterprise.” Yet in the recent posting on the Department’s priorities for 2010, reauthorization of our nation’s surface transportation law is not even mentioned except as a subject matter for the Secretary’s listening tour. Reauthorization of our crumbling infrastructure should be the number one priority of the Department. There have been plenty of studies or listening tours. Two national commissions already have thoroughly studied the system, identified the needs and proposed solutions for funding the program going forward. We don’t want to look back on 2010 and find the benefits of stimulus were lost due to Congressional and Administration inaction on enactment of the long-term reauthorization bill -- which the states require in order to commit to non-stimulus projects.

[Susan @ Flowers For Valentines]

I'm thankful that highway safety is at that top of your list. I personally would like to see safer pedestrian and bicycle pathways. I like to walk and bike for exercise and hate to fight the dangerous traffic around me. I know it's a big project to add roadways for pedestrians and bicyclists, but can it be a priority somewhere in your agenda?

[Dan @ Water damage company]

The DOT have quite a few great initiatives this year. I'm particular happy with the crackdown on late flights.

"In a statement, the Transportation Department said it chose 30 minutes for the new rule because it's a significant amount of time. Such delays can result in missed connections and other problems."

[Jumper Rental]

@ Dan - Yes I agree it is so refreshing to actually have late flights be an issue that we are talking about. I couldn't be more relieved!

[Salter Bathroom Scales]

I want to see more focus on public mass transit and making our streets safer for pedestrians and cyclists.

[МДФ]

I wonder what cities do they plan to make the high speed rail grants in...

[Rob]

There has to be a massive investment in the public transport system to encourage people out of their cars and onto the buses and trains.

[Vegan Handbags]

Living in Los Angeles is enough to make anyone hyper aware of the need for transportation reform. I have also lived in New York, Montreal, Toronto and abroad.. All cities that have rail systems and excellent public transport, eliminating the need for a car. Recently, construction for high speed rail from Pasadena to Santa Monica has been underway, and I have to say, it is very encouraging. I work in Santa Monica and Live in Miracle Mile, so I plan to take the new high speed rail as soon as it's ready. I am just one example of a typical commuter - ready to see more high speed as fast as it can be built.

[Powerlifting Routines]

Great Post. Enforcement will be the key factor here. We also need to get the word out that there are in fact consequences to bad driving behavior and poor life choices like drinking and driving.