President George W. Bush has requested $58.96 billion in total outlays to run the Dept. of Transportation (DOT) in fiscal 2006 which begins in October, a slight increase over the $58 billion for fiscal 2005.
This does not include transportation-related funding within the Dept. of Homeland Security or the administration’s proposed $284 billion for a six-year highway bill. The President’s record $2.57 trillion national budget is subject to Congressional approval, and the highway bill is expected to be particularly contentious.
If Congress approves, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) could receive $455 million-- up from $364 million. The Federal Railroad Administration could take a large hit, dropping from $1.45 billion to $1.09 billion. Research and Special Programs Administration could receive $123 million, up from $112 million, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) could receive $689 million, a big jump from $298 million.
A new headquarters building for DOT would receive $100 million up from a previously proposed $67 million.
Outside of DOT’s budget, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) could receive $15 million to help retrofit or replace diesel engines, (mainly on school buses) and advocate anti-idling projects.
About the Author
Larry Kahaner
Larry Kahaner is an author, journalist, and former FleetOwner contributor.