Highways, Bridges and Roads

Sens. Tim Johnson and Barbara Boxer pressed their colleagues to extend transportation funding.

Following President Obama’s call for an extension of the federal highway bill when Congress returns to Washington next week, the Republican chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee said Tuesday he is open to a short-term extension of the bill.

Rep. John Mica (R-Fla.) has previously said he would only support a long-term Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) bill. The bill allows the federal gas tax to be collected and appropriates money from it to road projects in states

But with the current version of the measure set to expire Sept. 30, Mica said Tuesday he’d consider passing an eighth short-term extension.

“In the interest of getting Americans back to work and moving vital transportation legislation, Republicans are committed to working with the president and congressional Democrats,” he said in a news release. “Republicans have offered positive and financially responsible alternatives to get these measures moving. As chairman of the House Transportation Committee, I will agree to one additional highway program extension, this being the eighth of the overdue transportation reauthorization.”

Obama, in a Rose Garden appearance, pressured Congress to pass the legislation, saying it affects thousands.

After the FAA standoff, the president wishes to avoid a prolonged battle over surface transportation funding.

Transportation workers in cities and states in the Northeast deserve a big thank-you for their work restoring service to airports, railways and bus service, Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said Monday.

In his blog on the Department of Transportation website, LaHood said that getting the nation's transportation system moving again after Hurricane Irene was no small feat.

"The workers in state and local departments of transportation who have been on the job for days clearing roadways of debris, downed trees, and flood conditions deserve a big 'Thank you' from all of us," LaHood wrote. "And let's add to that list of those who deserve our thanks the men and women who are doing similar tough work for airport authorities and transit agencies."

Your morning transportation speed-read:

Bats have been discovered at the Madison, Wis., airport where Delta Airlines passengers were thought to be exposed to rabies.

The Department of Transportation has set aside $417 million in grants for state highway projects.

A North Carolina man allegedly crashed a stolen airplane.

The Transportation Security Administration is being accused of targeting African-Americans' hair again.

Your morning transportation speed-read:

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo has said he will sign a bill to require streets to be designed with non-car uses in mind too.

Immigration officials are increasing their inspections of Amtrak trains and Greyhound buses.

Tea Party leaders in Georgia are opposed to moving a vote on a proposed transportation tax.

New York's John F. Kennedy Airport experienced a record amount of rainfall.

Voters in Michigan and other states should pressure Congress to pass a federal highway bill, President Obama said Thursday.

Former Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell (D) and current Mesa, Ariz., Mayor Scott Smith (R) argued Thursday that transportation spending was the best way to stimulate the stagnant U.S. economy.

In an op-ed in The Wall Street Journal, Rendell and Smith said the anti-spending urge in Washington should stop when it comes to transportation.

"During this time of economic uncertainty and record federal deficits, many question why America should invest aggressively in infrastructure," they wrote. "The answer is simple: Whether it involves highways, railways, ports, aviation or any other sector, infrastructure is an economic driver that is essential for the long-term creation of quality American jobs."

Your morning transportation speed-read:

Airport tarmac delays are up again.

Massachusetts's lieutenant governor has criticized Sen. Scott Brown (R-Mass.) on transportation funding.

A lawsuit over the proposed California high-speed rail will be heard by a judge Friday.

A former Playboy model was arrested by the Transportation Security Administration for allegedly trying to board a plane at the Orlando International Airport with a gun.