Senator Amy Klobuchar Champions Rebuild America Jobs Act

Thu, 11/03/2011 - 11:54am

Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar has taken a leadership role in promoting the Rebuild America Jobs Act which separates out the portion of President Obama’s jobs proposal that deals with transportation infrastructure.  The proposal would provide $50 billion in new spending on infrastructure projects.

Specifically the measure would provide:

  • $27 billion for highway and rail projects.
  • $4 billion specifically for passenger-rail upgrades, including some high-speed rail projects, and $2 billion for Amtrak to upgrade and replace equipment and infrastructure.
  • $3 billion to capitalize public transit projects.
  • $6 billion for “fixed guideway” light rail and electric trolley buses, as well as bus systems.
  • $5 billion for competitive grants available for any transportation additions and upgrades.
  • $2 billion for airport development grants.
  • $1 billion for the Federal Aviation Administration to advance its NextGen air traffic control system upgrade.
  • $10 billion to establish anational infrastructure bank to fund future transportation. projects, seeking to help to match public and private money.

 

Senator Klobuchar’s leadership on this issue is greatly appreciated as we work to develop support for strong federal transportation funding levels.

 

Today’s Star Tribune editorial discusses Senator Klobuchar’s legislation and the traditional nonpartisan nature of infrastructure spending: http://www.startribune.com/opinion/editorials/133032443.html  The editorial also mentions the Roadmap to 2040 plan developed by the Minnesota Transportation Alliance.