TEA-21 Chair Inhofe Encouraged By ACEC To Stand Firm As Funding Debate Narrows

ACEC Chairman Bill Howard and President Dave Raymond encouraged Senator Jim Inhofe (R-OK) to stand firm on a high level of TEA-21 funding, just moments before he chaired the last meeting of conferees prior to Congress' adjournment for the summer.

Inhofe proposed $289 billion in guaranteed funding, and House conferees countered with a $284 billion proposal.

The House and Senate appear to be getting closer to reaching a deal.

There are concerns, however, that too little funding will fail to satisfy so-called "donor" states looking for a 95 percent return on their gas tax receipts, and too much funding would trip a veto from the Bush Administration.

Inhofe was encouraged by ACEC's visit and vowed to resist efforts to lowball the nation's transportation infrastructure needs.

Before Congress recessed, Congress passed its fifth extension bill that provides funding for highways through Sept. 24 and funding for transit and other programs through Sep. 30. During the summer recess, ACEC will continue working with the committee staff to keep the funding level as high as possible.

Senate Committee Passes $8B Corps Water Bill

The ACEC-supported Water Resources Development Act was passed by the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, setting the stage for floor consideration when Congress returns in September.

The $8 billion bill authorizes funding for U.S. Army Corps of Engineers flood control, navigation and environmental restoration projects, including $1.46 billion for new lock construction and ecosystem restoration on the Upper Mississippi and Illinois Rivers.

The House has already cleared a $4.6 billion package. House and Senate conferees face significant differences between the two packages, both in terms of funding as well as issues related to peer review and mitigation standards.

ACEC is encouraging both houses to complete work on this important legislation prior to adjournment in October.

http://www.acec.org