Omnibus Appropriations Act close to approval

Earlier in the week, congressional leaders released text of the “Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2008,” an omnibus package that would provide appropriations for non-defense federal programs for fiscal-year 2008, which began Oct. 1.  

The spending bill includes $9.4 billion for the federal transit program, a $412 million or 4.6 percent increase compared with FY2007. The legislation increases funding for most programs, including formula grants, by 7 percent.  

The legislation also would provide $1.6 million for the New Starts program, a $3.1 million increase compared with last year but $131 million below the level authorized under SAFETEA-LU, and $400 million for transit and rail security, a $125 million increase compared with FY2007.  

The bill, which was to be amended to provide funding for the war effort, was expected to be sent back to the House for final approval by the end of the week, according to the American Public Transportation Association.