With a March 31 deadline looming on the latest extension of the current federal transportation authorization act, it appears that House Republicans will pass a three month extension.

Readers will recall that the House bill, H.R. 7, failed to get off the House floor, while the Senate passed its own bill, S. 1813, to put in place a new two year authorization. That measure passed on a bi-partisan basis.

At the time it looked the House Republicans might go along with the Senate proposal, and they still might, but for now leadership has decided to simply extend the old act for the ninth time.

House members will be on break March 30-April 16. Local officials are encouraged to speak with their congressional representative and ask them to move the Senate bill or some similar version as soon as possible.  Its past time to get this issue off the table and bring some certainty to local and state officials.  Read the League letter sent to congressional members below. 

transportation letter_congress_march2012.docx (221.82 kb)

Arnold Weinfeld is Director of Strategic Initiatives and Federal Affairs for the Michigan Municipal League. He can be reached at 517-230-8071 or by e-mail.