Facing stiff opposition from all fronts, House leadership in Congress is changing their proposed transportation authorization bill. 

Although it is uncertain when the bill will be brought before the full House, it has gone from a 5 year proposal to a 18-month proposal.  Recall that the Senate is working on a two year bill.

In spite of also continuing to protect transit funding, the bill still consolidates bike-ped funding out of existence, gives states more authority to direct their transportation dollars towards highways, and still ties infrastructure funding to expanded oil drilling.

So while the changes might get enough votes to pass, it will most likely be done a partisan basis with some moderate Republicans still opposing.

Stay tuned.

Arnold Weinfeld is Director of Strategic Initiatives and Federal Affairs for the Michigan Municipal League. He can be reached at 517-908-004 or by e-mail.