Transportation Views and Estimates Released

The House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure released its Views and Estimates regarding transportation issues for 2004. On the maritime side, the committee estimates that $2.4 billion in federal and non-federal funds is needed each year to improve U.S. ports just to keep pace with increased demand. The committee opposes expanding uses to which the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund and the Inland Waterways Trust Funds could be put. The committee proposes that annual funding for the Coast Guard Integrated Deepwater System be $578 million, rather than the $500 million put forward by the President’s budget. The committee supports a significant increase in funding for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, to keep maintenance and construction projects on track. Source: HK Law