DOT requests $59.3 billion for 2003 budget

The U.S. Department of Transportation unveiled on Monday its budget, seeking $59.3 billion in funding for fiscal year 2003 to help provide improved security and safety of the country's transportation system. Continuing the DOT's emphasis on safety, the budget provides $371 million for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, an increase of 8%, to help reduce the number of traffic accidents involving trucks and buses. Other 2003 transportation budget highlights include:

$716 million for the Federal Railroad Administration, including $521 million in federal subsidies for Amtrak (the same level of funding for this fiscal year) and $123 million for safety and operations.

$7.2 billion was allotted for the Federal Transit Administration.