Newson6.com
Posted: Jan 30, 2012 2:48 PM CST Updated: Jan 30, 2012 7:38 PM CST
By JOAN LOWY, Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) - House Republicans are proposing to spend about $260 billion over the next 4 1/2 years on transportation programs, as well as substantially increase the size of trucks permitted on highways, according to a draft bill being introduced this week.
Rep. John Mica, R-Fla., chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, and other GOP leaders are expected to introduce the bill on Tuesday. Mica's committee is poised to approve the measure on Thursday.
Significant policy changes in the bill include giving states far greater power - and the U.S. Department of Transport far less say - over how federal transportation aid is spent. The bill also consolidates many existing transportation programs, and makes it easier and quicker for road construction and other transportation projects to meet the requirements of federal environmental laws.
States could permit trucks weighing up to 97,000 pounds - and in some cases as much as 126,000 pounds - on interstate highways under the bill. The current limit is 80,000 pounds in most states. Increased weight limits are supported by the trucking industry, but opposed by safety advocates... FULL ARTICLE
Posted on
Mon, January 30, 2012
by John Cox