Chuck FleischmannA transportation funding bill advancing in Washington, D.C., could have a negative impact on such initiatives in Chattanooga, and 3rd District Rep. Chuck Fleischmann is the target of national advocates in town this week.
Marianne Fowler, a governmental affairs official with the national Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, told pedestrian and bicycle activists Tuesday that proposed policy changes could hinder many creative transportation projects in this area.
This week, a House subcommittee passed an appropriations bill that made significant changes to the Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery, or TIGER discretionary grant program. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, the grants allow the “DOT to invest in road, rail, transit and port projects that promise to achieve critical national objectives.”
Since the program’s inception in 2009, more than $4.1 billion has been awarded to projects across the nation, but the bill passed this week would limit TIGER grants to roads and bridges, ports and freight rail while specifically prohibiting funding of transit projects, streetscaping and bicycle or pedestrian infrastructure.
The measure also could eliminate funding for a light-rail system recently proposed for Chattanooga that would connect downtown with the airport and the Volkswagen plant.