Contact: Jesse Day, Executive Director

518.436.0889

This gives Congress until the end of February 2004 to complete work on TEA-3. Or they may pass another extension at that time.

The bill continues funding for all the TEA-21 programs at levels similar to 2003. Unfortunately, it also allows states to transfer money between programs, but requires they "make whole" all programs by the end of fy 2004 (September).

The intent of the transferability is to provide flexibility so that States with big projects underway aren't hobbled by having only 5 months worth of money available to them, rather than a full years worth. We are concerned that the transferability allows State DOTs to move money out of Enhancements and CMAQ. While the money has to be paid back, projects could lose previous momentum in the interim.

However, we expect that bureacratic inertia, the short payback period, and a basic acceptance of the Enhancements program by most State DOTs will discourage them from redirecting money. The America Bikes team, the NY Bicycling Coalition and our Enhancements allies are discussing how we can help insure that State DOTs continue to fund all programs. Stay tuned for more.

America Bikes joined STPP, the Mayors, the Association of MPOs and several other organizations in working quietly to minimize problems with the extension bill. The original language didn't require payment until after the multiyear reauthorization bill was passed, which could be as late as 2005. Committee leadership also agreed that if another extension is required in Feb 2004, it will not include this broad transferability.

The NY Bicycling Coalition members, advocates and affiliates will be ready to respond as February moves closer and other issues arise.

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