U.S. DOT unveils 2010 budget framework

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) unveiled the framework of its proposed fiscal year 2010 budget.

President Obama will work closely with Congress over the next few months to determine the details for funding surface transportation.

“This Administration inherited a difficult problem — a system that can no longer pay for itself,” Secretary LaHood said. “We are looking at every option to solve it, but we are not going to be ready overnight.”

The budget proposal provides a broad framework that commits funds for sustainable solutions for surface transportation, explores options to make the nation’s communities more livable through increased funding for public transit, supports development of a high-speed rail network across the country and supports the Next Generation Air Transportation System to modernize the air traffic control system.

The Administration has proposed a five-year, $5 billion high-speed rail state grant program. This funding will build on the $8 billion down payment in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

Additional budget details will be available in April.

Visit the OMB Website for additional details on the President's Budget. http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/budget/