News Headlines

On Dec. 21, the Senate and the House passed a continuing resolution extending funding for all federal programs through March 4, at Fiscal Year 2010 levels. The legislation also extends the surface transportation authorization law, the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU), through March 4, and will make a portion of FY 2011 funds available for programs administered by U.S. DOT.

For more details, see the Dec. 22 APTA Legislative Alert.

The Federal Transit Administration on Dec. 21 awarded $25.7 million in competitive grants to 23 proposals for public transit projects in 16 states and the District of Columbia.

The grants are intended to help communities decide where to build and/or expand public transit systems in their communities. A total of 67 applications from 30 states seeking $73 million in funds were submitted.

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Save the Date

Register now for the 2011 Business Member Board of Governors Annual Meeting/Retreat, in Naples, FL. All business members are welcome at this important meeting, which will shape APTA's private sector efforts for the next two years.

In the Media

In Peoria, IL, a new Easter Seals center for the treatment of children with cerebral palsy has been named after Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood and his wife, Kathy, according to the Peoria Journal Star.

The New York Times reported on subway riders' enthusiasm for the soon-to-be-retired "Train of Thought" advertisements on the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority rail cars.

CNN featured a video report on the state of public transportation security.

New U.S. Census data show that the portion of commuters using public transportation in Washington, DC, and other cities is significantly higher than it was 10 years ago, The Washington Post reported.