Transit, rail programs get funding boost under FY18 omnibus bill

The $1.3 trillion fiscal-year 2018 omnibus appropriations bill that President Donald Trump signed late last week includes "significant increases" for public transit, according to the American Public Transportation Association (APTA).

The legislation increases Federal Transit Administration (FTA) program funding to $13.5 billion, which is above the $12.3 billion authorized level. The budget also includes major increases in Federal Railroad Administration commuter and intercity passenger-rail programs, APTA officials said in a press release.

"The bill reflects the value of public transportation, for the contribution it makes to mobility, and for the role such investment plays in the vibrancy and economic prosperity of communities nationwide," said APTA President and Chief Executive Officer Paul Skoutelas. "This bill preserves the strong federal partnership with states and communities that is required to improve the nation's transportation infrastructure."

Included in the measure are:
• $2.6 billion for Capital Investment Grants (CIG), up from $2.4 billion in FY2017;
• $3 billion for the State of Good Repair program, up from $2.6 billion in FY2017;
• $1.5 billion for the Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant program, up from $500 million in FY2017;
• $250 million for positive train control implementation under the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvement grant program; and
• $1.9 billion for Amtrak, up from $1.5 billion in FY2017.

The bill provides significant increases for other passenger-rail programs, as well.

"Federal investments supported under these programs will help to address the $90 billion funding backlog, identified by the U.S. Department of Transportation, that is needed to bring America's public transportation infrastructure back into a state of good repair," said Skoutelas.

Among the $2.6 billion for CIG grants, $1.5 billion will go toward New Starts, $716 million for for Core Capacity and $400 million for Small Starts funding programs, according to the Railway Supply Institute's (RSI) analysis of the bill.

The legislation also directs the USDOT to cover the credit risk premiums for Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement Financing loans.

On the negative side, the legislation includes provisions that allow an increase in heavy truck weight in North Dakota, as well as an expansion of a New Hampshire interstate highway-specific truck size and weight (TSW) exemption.

"On balance, the omnibus spending package passed by Congress and signed by President Trump recognizes the importance of infrastructure — and the rail industry — to the continued growth of jobs and the U.S. economy," said RSI President Mike O'Malley in a press release. "This legislation will allow our member companies to support their rail industry customers and move us forward."