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U.S. Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta April 9 announced President Bush’s $59.5 billion proposed DOT budget for fiscal-year 2002, which would represent a 6 percent increase compared with fiscal-year 2001, after subtracting last year’s $2.8 billion in one-time projects.


"The United States enjoys what I believe is the safest and best transportation system in the world. However, we face safety and capacity challenges," said Mineta in a prepared statement. "The funding requested in the 2002 budget will help us to address those challenges and save lives, relieve congestion, reduce environmental impacts, and provide greater mobility for all Americans."


Part of the budget stipulates full-funding guarantees under Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21), including a transit funding jump of 8 percent — 6 percent for highway.


The budget also earmarks $521 million for Amtrak capital programs.


Meanwhile, rail safety programs funding would increase 9 percent to $154 million; Intelligent Transportation Systems funds would rise 32 percent to $253 million.