Overview: The Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) mission is to promote aviation safety and mobility by building, maintaining, and operating the Nation's air traffic control system; overseeing commercial and general aviation safety through regulation and inspection; and providing assistance to improve the capacity and safety of our airports. The 2006 budget request of $13.8 billion for the FAA reflects the Administration's commitment to increase the performance and capacity of our aviation system.

Operations: The FY 2006 budget requests $8.2 billion for FAA Operations. This total includes a one-time $150 million for transition costs for the FAA's Flight Service Station A-76 competition. Most of the funds requested for FAA Operations in FY 2006 support the goal of maintaining and increasing aviation safety, reflecting the President's commitment in this area. Other significant amounts support mobility and security.

	Safety - $7.7 billion includes all funding for inspecting aircraft and ensuring the safety of flight procedures. This includes an increase of $24.9 million to hire and train 595 air traffic controllers; $5.4 million to hire and train 258 field maintenance technicians consistent with a recent Federal Labor Relations Board ruling requiring the FAA to employ 6,100 maintenance technicians; and $7.9 million to hire and train 97 safety inspectors. The budget supports continued development of the Air Traffic Organization (ATO), which was formed in FY 2004 to improve the delivery of air traffic services by adopting "best business-like" practices. It also includes funding for operating and maintaining the air traffic control system, developing a replacement air traffic data and telecommunications system, commercial space transportation, and a share of agency overhead support costs. The ATO budget request includes $85 million, the majority of which is for National Airspace System (NAS) handoff requirements for new systems transitioning from the Facilities and Equipment appropriation to the Operations appropriation. This increase will provide first- and second-level field maintenance support, leased telecommunications costs, logistics support, backfill overtime for controllers, and associated costs.
	Mobility - The request includes $293 million to improve air traffic efficiency by various means including improving the flow of air traffic through better airspace design.
	Other - The request includes $210 million to promote other goals, most notably reductions in aviation noise, and improvements in organizational excellence and global connectivity.

Facilities and Equipment: The FAA requests $2.4 billion to continue to improve and modernize the equipment central to the NAS. The request includes:

	Safety - $324 million for projects that support safety performance goals to reduce aviation fatalities, such as improvements to weather sensing and reporting systems, safety information databases and computer systems to assist safety inspections, improvements to flight services for general aviation, and runway incursion research and new technology.
	Mobility - $1.7 billion for projects to support mobility goals to reduce aircraft delays, such as replacement of older radars, Free Flight and oceanic automation to improve flight route flexibility, and significant infrastructure improvements to reduce outages caused by older, less capable facilities and equipment.
	Global Connectivity - $3.6 million for projects to support navigation aids.
	Environmental Stewardship - $54 million for projects to support environmental performance goals, such as replacing fuel tanks at FAA facilities, removing environmental hazards, and cleaning up hazardous materials at identified sites.
	Security - $63.2 million for projects to support security goals, including $30 million for security of NAS facilities and $12 million for information security.
	Organizational Excellence - $298.1 million for projects to support telecommunications infrastructure and competitive sourcing initiatives.

Research, Engineering, and Development: The budget requests $130 million, including $92 million for continued research on aviation safety issues. The remaining research funding is for mobility and environmental issues, including $18.1 million for the Joint Planning and Development Office to develop a plan for transforming the future of the National air space.

Grants-in-Aid for Airports: The budget request includes $3.0 billion for planning and development of the Nation's airports, including grants for security, safety, capacity, and noise-reduction projects. Funding also includes $81 million for administrative expenses, and $17.5 million for airport technology research.

Overview: The mission of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is to enhance the quality and performance of our Nation's highway system and its intermodal connectors through innovation, leadership and public service. Highways are the critical link in our Nation's transportation system, as virtually every trip we take and every good consumed passes over a road at some point. Our challenge is to preserve and improve the 160,000-mile National Highway System, which includes the Interstate System and other roads of importance for national defense and mobility, while also improving highway safety, minimizing traffic congestion, and protecting the environment on these and other key facilities. Through surface transportation programs, innovative financing mechanisms, and increased use of innovative pavement and highway operational technology, FHWA will increase the efficiency by which people and goods move throughout the Nation, and improve the efficiency of highway and road connections to other transportation modes. The FY 2006 budget request of $34.7 billion in obligation limitation will allow the FHWA to address these challenges.

The FY 2006 budget request of $34.4 billion supports the Administration's blueprint for the future, as described in the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, and Efficient Transportation Equity Act (SAFETEA). This funding level will support the Secretary's goals and continue efforts to improve highway safety dramatically, slow the growth of traffic congestion, and promote good stewardship of the environment. FHWA will also strengthen its stewardship of Federal surface transportation funds by improving oversight and increasing accountability to ensure every dollar spent achieves maximum benefits for Americans.

Federal-aid Highway Program: The Federal-aid Highway Program (FAHP) provides Federal financial assistance to the States to construct and improve the National Highway System, urban and rural roads, and bridges. The FY 2006 budget request includes an obligation limitation of $34.7 billion for the FAHP. This amount is more than doubled by additional resources from State and local governments that utilize the funds for highway investment. The FY 2006 budget request reflects a proposal to transfer $1.0 billion of the FAHP obligation limitation to the Federal Transit Administration for flex funding, similar to FY 2005. In total, investments in highway improvements support the achievement of safety, mobility, environmental stewardship, and security goals. FHWA will continue its efforts to increase oversight and accountability, including large-project management and oversight, to ensure the protection of the large Federal investment, while maintaining the prerogatives of the States in the delivery of highway transportation projects to the public. The Federal-aid Highway Program includes the following:

Federal Lands Highway Program: The Federal Lands Highway Program (FLHP) improves access to and within national forests, national parks, Indian reservations, and other public lands. The $959 million requested for the FLHP in FY 2006 will support the President's initiatives to enhance the protection of America's national parks and protect these national treasures for present and future generations. This will include enhancement of ecosystems, improvement of outdoor opportunities, improved infrastructure, and greater accountability. The FLHP will also continue to develop and implement two new funding categories - Recreational Roads and Safety - as proposed in SAFETEA.

Research and Intelligent Transportation System (ITS): To support the FAHP and FLHP, FHWA conducts and manages a comprehensive research, development, and technology program. For FY 2006, $425.6 million is requested for Research and ITS. FHWA will continue to work on identifying ways to reduce the number of injuries and fatalities on our Nation's roadways by demonstrating the application of innovative technologies in highway safety, deploying and evaluating safety technologies and innovations at the State and local levels, and assuring the deployment of best practices in training, management, design, and planning.

Credit Program: Under the Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) program, the FHWA, on behalf of the Department of Transportation, will use FY 2006 funding of $130 million to help stimulate private capital investment in transportation infrastructure. Approved applicants receive credit assistance in the form of direct loans, loan guarantees, and lines of credit for up to one-third of the cost of large infrastructure construction projects of national or regional significance.

Limitation on Administrative Expenses: A Limitation on Administrative Expense (LAE) of $368 million is requested for FY 2006 for the necessary salaries and benefits of 2,430 FTE and on-going administrative expenses in support of the above Federal programs. This LAE includes increased funding of $10 million to support the President's Management Agenda activities.

Emergency Relief Program: The Emergency Relief (ER) program provides funding for the repair or reconstruction of Federal-aid highways and roads on Federal lands that have suffered serious damage as a result of natural disasters or catastrophic failures from an external cause. Section 125 of title 23, of the United States Code, authorizes $100 million annually. DOT proposes the ER funding be increased to $250 million in FY 2006.

Overview: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's (FMCSA) primary mission is to prevent commercial motor vehicle-related fatalities and injuries. Large trucks represent about four percent of registered vehicles; however, they account for 8 percent of the travel volume on our Nation's highways. Eleven percent of all the people killed in motor vehicle crashes die in crashes involving a large truck. In 2003, 4,986 people died and 122,000 were injured in crashes involving large trucks. This compares to 4,939 deaths and 130,000 injuries in 2002. While progress is being made toward the agency's goal of saving lives and reducing injuries by preventing truck and bus crashes, too many people continue to be injured and die as a result of crashes involving large trucks. The 2006 budget request for FMCSA, $465 million, will help meet this challenge.

Motor Carrier Safety Operations & Programs: $233 million is requested to support critical motor carrier program activities that will reduce crashes, save lives, and prevent injuries on our Nation's highways. The FY 2006 budget proposes the following funding requests aimed at meeting DOT's strategic goals and performance targets:

	Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety - $189 million is dedicated to reducing the incidence and severity of commercial truck and bus crashes by advancing motor carrier standards and rulemaking; increasing compliance with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations through enforcement operations; enforcing safety regulations at the borders; extending motor carrier safety education and best practices; overseeing certification of physical qualifications to operate motor carriers; improving commercial motor vehicle safety information and analysis; and advancing technological solutions.
	Hazardous Materials Safety - $10 million is requested to reduce the number and severity of commercial motor vehicle hazardous materials (HAZMAT) incidents through enforcement and compliance operations, research, and technology.
	Hazardous Materials Security - $8 million is requested to improve the security of motor carrier transport of hazardous materials through outreach and security operations.
	Commercial Motor Vehicle Productivity - $2 million is requested to improve the efficiency and integrity of commercial truck and bus transportation by ensuring compliance with Federal Motor Carrier Commercial Regulations through increased household goods carrier enforcement, education, and outreach efforts, and maintaining a nationwide safety violation and consumer complaints telephone hotline.
	Organizational Excellence - $24 million is requested to increase accountability and program performance through meeting the objectives of the President's Management Agenda in the areas of strategic management of human capital, citizen-centered e-government, competitive sourcing, financial and procurement performance, and budget and performance integration. Efforts focus on evaluating and improving business practices and processes that support program delivery.

Motor Carrier Safety Grants: $232 million is requested to maintain aggressive State enforcement of interstate commercial truck and bus regulations as part of the Federal/State partnership aimed at meeting DOT's strategic goals and performance targets:

Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety - $222 million is requested to support State enforcement, regulatory compatibility, and safety information capabilities. This includes $172 million dedicated to Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program (MCSAP) State grants. Grants will be used to support State motor carrier compliance reviews; conduct roadside inspections; enforce violations noted in roadside inspections; and ensure that new commercial trucking firms pass a safety audit within the first 18 months of operations in order to receive permanent registration. State safety enforcement efforts at the international borders are funded at $23 million to ensure Mexican and Canadian trucks and buses adhere to the same safety standards as U.S. motor carriers. In addition, $23 million is included to improve State commercial drivers' license (CDL) oversight activities to prevent unqualified drivers from being issued CDLs, and $4 million is provided for the Performance Registration Information Systems and Management (PRISM) program, which links State motor vehicle registration systems with carrier safety data in order to identify unsafe commercial trucks and buses.

Hazardous Materials Safety - $10 million is requested to continue a grant program in support of State HAZMAT enforcement and regulatory compatibility at the international borders with Mexico and Canada to ensure that all points of entry to the U.S. transportation system are fortified with comprehensive safety measures.

Overview: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) conducts critical behavioral and vehicle programs, and provides grants to the States for the administration of highway traffic safety programs. Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for people in the United States ages 3 through 33. In 2003, motor vehicle crashes claimed 42,643 lives and accounted for over 95 percent of transportation-related deaths. The economic cost of motor vehicle crashes is estimated to be more than $230 billion annually. Emerging demographic trends, such as a continuing increase in the number of drivers and a significant growth in both older and teenage drivers, pose increased traffic safety challenges that must be addressed. The FY 2006 budget request includes $696.4 million for NHTSA to carry out its mission. The request reflects an increase of $23 million above the enacted FY 2005 budget, plus the transfer of the safety belt use and impaired-driving law incentive programs from FHWA to NHTSA in FY 2006.

Operations and Research: The FY 2006 budget request includes $231.4 million for Operations and Research activities to reduce highway fatalities, prevent injuries, and significantly reduce their associated economic toll. The request includes:

	Research and Analysis - The $94 million request includes crashworthiness research for occupant protection and biomechanics; driver distraction testing; crash causation research; and national crash data systems.
	Highway Safety Programs - $74 million is requested for programs committed to changing driver behavior, a critical factor in reducing the number of highway fatalities and injuries. NHTSA will continue to develop and disseminate programs that address impaired driving deterrence, increased safety belt usage, and correct placement of child safety restraints. Funds will also be used to strengthen motorcycle safety, pedestrian, bicycle, and pupil transportation safety programs by developing additional countermeasures. In addition, NHTSA will serve as the lead Federal Emergency Medical Services (EMS) agency in coordinating and facilitating EMS system development and effecting system improvements.
	Enforcement - The $35 million request includes vehicle testing to ensure compliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, investigating alleged safety-related defects, and monitoring safety recalls.
	Rulemaking - $26 million is requested for crash avoidance and crashworthiness testing; evaluating child safety seats; and reducing occupant ejection in rollover crashes; initiatives to increase motor vehicle compatibility; and studies to improve seating systems and headlight glare reduction. Through the New Car Assessment Program, consumers will be provided with information on frontal and side impact protection, and rollover resistance of light vehicles. NHTSA will continue its analytical work and technology assessments to determine future fuel economy standards and possible reforms to the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) program.

Highway Traffic Safety Grants: NHTSA's highway traffic safety grant program will help reduce highway fatalities and injuries through innovative grant programs. The FY 2006 budget request of $465 million includes $405 million to support a full range of highway safety programs in every State, territory, and Indian nation, including an impaired driving initiative in which grants are awarded strategically to States where the greatest gains in reducing alcohol-related fatalities can be made. Funds are also provided for safety belt use performance grants and primary safety belt law incentive grants. Of the $405 million, $20 million will be set aside to fund national paid advertising in support of high visibility safety belt use and impaired driving mobilizations. Additional programs include $50 million for State Traffic Safety Information Systems Improvement programs to support improvements in highway safety data systems and $10 million for a new Emergency Medical Services Initiative to assist States in adopting comprehensive wireless emergency and response systems.

Overview: The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) provides leadership, technical assistance and financial resources for safe, technologically advanced public transportation that enhances mobility and accessibility, improves America's communities, preserves the natural environment, advances economic growth, and ensures that transit systems are prepared to function during and after criminal or terrorist attack. Transit systems safely and efficiently move millions of people every day, reducing congestion, improving air quality, facilitating economic development, and connecting people to their jobs and communities. The FY 2006 budget request includes $8.8 billion for Federal transit programs, which includes $1.0 billion in flex funding from FHWA. The request maintains the Federal commitment to transit and, when combined with State and local funding, will improve mobility and accessibility, address critical safety and security requirements, and advance the President's Management Agenda.

Formula Grants and Research: FTA requests $7.1 billion for transit purposes, including security, planning, bus and railcar purchases and maintenance, facility repair and construction, and where eligible, operating expenses. The program includes grants specifically targeted to urbanized areas and, through States, to non-urbanized areas and to transportation providers that address the special transportation needs of the elderly, people with low incomes, and persons with disabilities. In addition, funds proposed for the Formula Grants and Research program will contribute $7 million to improve the accessibility of over-the-road buses, $4.8 million for the Alaska Railroad, and $3.9 million for the National Transit Database that will support important research and training activities. The following summary describes the major programs within this account:

	Urbanized Area Programs - $6.0 billion is requested for the Urbanized Area Formula program and the Fixed Guideway Modernization program to help meet the capital replacement, rehabilitation and refurbishment needs of existing transit systems and to ensure that customers continue to receive safe and reliable public transportation. FTA is fully committed to the President's mandate that the Federal Government become customer-focused and outcome-based. Creating an outcome-based performance incentive program to promote increased transit ridership in every community is a key feature of this budget request. This proposal represents an important and effective means to focus attention on better meeting the needs of current and potential transit riders.
	State Administered Programs - $802 million is requested for programs to be administered directly by the States, including $157 million for the President's New Freedom Initiative to reduce barriers to work for persons with disabilities by providing funding to States to implement innovative transportation solutions. This program will increase access and opportunities for Americans with disabilities, and strengthen the communities in which they live and work. The request also includes funding for the Non-Urbanized Area Formula Program, the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities Program, and the Job Access and Reverse Commute Program, and will promote a coordinated approach to meeting the needs of transportation-disadvantaged individuals.
	National Research - $53.8 million is requested for National Research. This program includes $34.4 million for the National Research Program, $9.0 million for the Transit Cooperative Research Program, $4.4 million for the National Transit Institute training programs, and $6 million for the University Transportation Research Program.
	Planning - $122.7 million is requested to support the activities of regional planning agencies and States, helping them to plan for transit investments that best meet the needs of the urban and rural communities they serve. This includes funding for Metropolitan Planning and Statewide Planning.
	National Parks Legacy Project - $30 million is requested to enhance the protection of America's national parks and increase the enjoyment of those visiting the parks. The goals of the National Parks Legacy Project include ensuring access for all, including individuals with disabilities, and improving conservation of parks and public lands.
	Intermodal Passenger Facilities Program - $75 million would accelerate intermodal integration among America's passenger transportation modes by assuring intercity public transportation access to intermodal passenger facilities. These funds would be combined with $10 million per year from the Highway Trust Fund.

Major Capital Investment Grants: $1.6 billion is proposed in FY 2006 for the construction of newfixed guideway and non-fixed guideway corridor systems and extensions to existing systems.

New Starts - $1.5 billion is requested for New Starts projects, reflecting an expansion of the New Starts program to make new non-fixed guideway transportation corridor projects eligible for funding, and to encourage project sponsors to consider more cost-effective transit options that may not require a fixed guideway. The request includes funding for existing and anticipated Full Funding Grant Agreements (FFGAs), which are multi-year contractual agreements between FTA and the grantees. Located in 14 States and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and in cities of all sizes, these projects include commuter rail, light rail, heavy rail, and bus rapid transit. When completed, they will carry 194 million riders annually, save over 95 million hours in travel time annually, and significantly improve mobility in America.

Planning - $31.3 million is requested to support the activities of regional planning agencies and States, and to facilitate planning for transit investments that best meet the needs of the communities they serve. This includes funding for metropolitan and statewide planning.

Transit Security: $36.6 million is requested to support transit security, which will remain a high priority in FY 2006. This funding includes the one percent of Urbanized Formula Grant funding that is statutorily required to be spent on security initiatives. Through its technical assistance and other programs, FTA will place emphasis on security training for transit system employees, emergency preparedness and response, and public awareness efforts.

Project and Financial Management Oversight: To provide oversight of FTA grants, $72 million is requested in FY 2006. Project and financial management oversight are core management responsibilities of FTA, and are essential to good stewardship of Federal taxpayers' dollars.

Overview: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) conducts critical behavioral and vehicle programs, and provides grants to the States for the administration of highway traffic safety programs. Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for people in the United States ages 3 through 33. In 2003, motor vehicle crashes claimed 42,643 lives and accounted for over 95 percent of transportation-related deaths. The economic cost of motor vehicle crashes is estimated to be more than $230 billion annually. Emerging demographic trends, such as a continuing increase in the number of drivers and a significant growth in both older and teenage drivers, pose increased traffic safety challenges that must be addressed. The FY 2006 budget request includes $696.4 million for NHTSA to carry out its mission. The request reflects an increase of $23 million above the enacted FY 2005 budget, plus the transfer of the safety belt use and impaired-driving law incentive programs from FHWA to NHTSA in FY 2006.

Safety & Operations: Safety remains FRA's most important performance segment. The request for FY 2006 includes $146 million to support the Department's goal of reducing railroad accidents and incidents, while contributing to the avoidance of serious hazardous materials incidents in rail transportation. The FY 2006 budget reflects an increase of 5.8 percent over the FY 2005 enacted level for this account. The new initiative includes funding for two new safety positions to conduct inspections at facilities where tank cars are built or repaired.

Research & Development: In FY 2006, $46 million is requested to support research efforts in the areas of rail systems safety, track and structures, train occupant protection, human factors in train operations, rolling stock and components, track and train interaction, train control, grade crossings, hazardous materials, and transportation and research development facilities and test equipment. The request is an increase of more than $10 million over the FY 2005 enacted amount. The increase will be used to implement a revised plan to install the Nationwide Differential Global Positioning System. The overall funding level enables FRA to continue various research projects in support of the Department's safety mission.

Railroad Rehabilitation Infrastructure Financing (RRIF): Consistent with the Administration's intent to eliminate corporate subsidies, no new credit assistance will be provided under the RRIF program in FY 2006.

Overview: The Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA) was created under the Norman Y. Mineta Research and Specials Programs Improvement Act (Public Law 108-426). The establishment of RITA will enable the Department to more effectively coordinate and manage the Department's research portfolio and expedite implementation of cross-cutting innovative technologies. Under the reorganization, RITA's resources will be used to coordinate and advance transportation research efforts within DOT; support transportation professionals in their research efforts through grants and consulting services, as well as professional development through training centers; and inform transportation decision-makers on intermodal and multi-modal transportation topics through the release of statistics, research reports, and a variety of information products via the internet, publications, and in-person venues such as conferences.

The FY 2006 budget request of $39.1 million is composed of $32.8 million from the Highway Trust Fund and $6.3 million from the General Fund appropriation. In addition, RITA will undertake over $300 million in transportation-related research on a reimbursable basis for other agencies.

Research and Development: The budget request includes $6.2 million for Research and Development. RITA will coordinate and advance the pursuit of transportation research that cuts across all modes of transportation, and will provide research results to transportation professionals for inclusion in evaluative and decision-making processes. In addition, the agency will coordinate and advance innovative transportation technologies intended to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the movement of people and goods. Further, RITA will provide transportation providers and decision-makers with information about the effectiveness of transportation infrastructure investments and the efficiency of intermodal transportation in the movement of people and goods.

Transportation Statistics: In FY 2006, $33 million is requested for the Bureau of Transportation Statistics to provide multi-modal and intermodal transportation data and information through public venues.

Consulting and Other Professional Services: Over $300 million in transportation-related research will be conducted by RITA on a reimbursable basis for other agencies during FY 2006. The Volpe Transportation Systems Center will provide technical knowledge and expertise to customers with specific transportation systems and logistics projects or issues. The Transportation Safety Institute will provide training to transportation professionals in state-of-the-art safety methods and technologies. Through the National Transportation Library, RITA will provide professionals, as well as the public, with access to transportation and related documents or reference to source information. Through the University Transportation Centers, RITA will support the education of transportation professionals in obtaining advanced degrees in transportation-related programs from participating universities.

Overview: The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) was created under the Norman Y. Mineta Research and Specials Programs Improvement Act (Public Law 108-426). The top priority of the agency is to maintain the safety and integrity of our Nation's pipeline transportation system and the highest levels of safety for hazardous materials transportation.

In FY 2006, PHMSA will focus on reducing hazardous materials pipeline transportation incidents. The agency will also provide planning and training grants to States and Indian tribes to improve hazardous materials emergency preparedness. The FY 2006 budget request includes $131 million towards these efforts.

Emergency Preparedness Grants: The FY 2006 request provides $14.3 million, the same level of funding as in the enacted FY 2005 budget, for States to train hazardous materials responders and improve hazardous materials response plans.

Pipeline Safety: The budget request includes $73.2 million, 6.2 percent ($4.2 million) above the enacted FY 2005, to meet the performance goals of holding serious pipeline incidents to no more than 280 in FY 2006 and reducing hazardous liquids spilled in pipelines to a level that equates to no more than 2.2 teaspoons for every 100 gallons shipped 3,000 miles coast-to-coast. The increases will continue implementation of our important integrity management safety protocols.

Administrative Expenses: The FY 2006 request includes $17 million for administrative expenses.

Overview: The Maritime Administration's (MARAD) mission is to strengthen the U.S. maritime transportation system - including infrastructure, industry and labor - to meet the economic and security needs of the Nation. Through the management of the Maritime Security Program, the Voluntary Intermodal Sealift Agreement Program and the Ready Reserve Force, MARAD helps support national security and strategic mobility by assuring access to ships and crews for Department of Defense mobilizations. MARAD's mariner education and training programs, through the U. S. Merchant Marine Academy and six State Maritime Schools, help provide skilled U.S. merchant marine officers, capable of serving both defense and commercial transportation needs. Through its ship disposal program, MARAD also continues to address the environmental risks posed by obsolete ships in the National Defense Reserve Fleet.

The FY 2006 request of $294 million is a decrease of $11 million (about 3.7 percent) below the 2005 enacted funding level.

Emergency Preparedness Grants: The FY 2006 request provides $14.3 million, the same level of funding as in the enacted FY 2005 budget, for States to train hazardous materials responders and improve hazardous materials response plans.

Pipeline Safety: The budget request includes $73.2 million, 6.2 percent ($4.2 million) above the enacted FY 2005, to meet the performance goals of holding serious pipeline incidents to no more than 280 in FY 2006 and reducing hazardous liquids spilled in pipelines to a level that equates to no more than 2.2 teaspoons for every 100 gallons shipped 3,000 miles coast-to-coast. The increases will continue implementation of our important integrity management safety protocols.

Administrative Expenses: The FY 2006 request includes $17 million for administrative expenses.

Overview: The U.S. Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation (SLSDC), a wholly owned government corporation and an operating administration of DOT, is responsible for the operations and maintenance of the U.S. portion of the St. Lawrence Seaway between Montreal and Lake Erie. This responsibility includes managing vessel traffic control in areas of the St. Lawrence River and Lake Ontario, as well as maintaining and operating the two U.S. Seaway locks located in Massena, NY. In support of DOT's global connectivity strategic goals, the SLSDC coordinates its activities with its Canadian counterpart, the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation, to ensure that the U.S. portion of the St. Lawrence Seaway, including the two U.S. locks, are available for commercial transit 99 percent of the time during the navigation season (usually late March through December of each year). Additionally, the SLSDC performs trade development activities designed to enhance the utilization of the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway System.

The SLSDC was a self-funded government corporation through commercial tolls from the Seaway's inaugural season in 1959 to 1987. Since April 1, 1987, the SLSDC has been funded primarily through an appropriation from the HMTF, coupled with its other non-Federal revenues (interest income, pleasure craft tolls, concession operations, rental payments, etc.).

Overview: The Office of the Secretary provides policy development, oversight and coordination for the overall planning and direction of the Department. The total FY 2006 request of $259 million ($209 million discretionary and $50 million mandatory) is $25 million less than the FY 2005 enacted funding level. Included in the discretionary funding request is $100 million for the new DOT headquarters building project. The mandatory funding request assumes $50 million and 10 FTEs for the Essential Air Service (EAS) program, which will be funded through overflight fees collected by the Federal Aviation Administration.

Planning, Research, and Development: $9 million is requested for FY 2006, including a comprehensive analysis of aviation practices, mergers, and international alliances to support the formulation of national transportation policies.

Office of Civil Rights: The FY 2006 budget request includes $8.6 million to support and advance internal and external civil rights initiatives, administer Federal civil rights statutes, investigate EEO complaints, support the Disability Resource Center, the Shared Neutrals Alternative Dispute Resolution Program, and oversee and ensure compliance of environmental justice programs throughout the Department.

Minority Business Resource Center (MBRC): $3.9 million is requested for MBRC activities. $0.9 million in Federal subsidy and administrative expenses will support an $18 million short-term loan guarantee program to assist small, disadvantaged and women-owned transportation-related businesses; and $3 million will fund the Minority Business Outreach program, which includes a clearinghouse for national dissemination of information on transportation-related projects and grants to minority educational institutions.

New Headquarters Building: $100 million is requested to finance the FY 2006 costs for the new Department of Transportation headquarters building. The goal is to consolidate the Department's headquarters operating functions into efficient leased office space in the District of Columbia.

Overview: The Inspector General Act of 1978, as amended, established the Office of Inspector General (OIG) as an independent and objective organization within DOT. The Inspector General is committed to fulfilling its statutory mission and assisting the Secretary, Members of Congress and senior Department officials in achieving a safer, simpler, and smarter transportation system that furthers our vital national interests and enhances the quality of life of the American people.

Overview: The Surface Transportation Board (STB) is charged with promoting substantive and procedural regulatory reform in the economic regulation of surface transportation, and with providing an efficient and effective forum for the resolution of disputes and the facilitation of appropriate business transactions. In the performance of its functions, the STB seeks to resolve matters brought before it fairly and expeditiously through the use of its regulatory exemption authority, the streamlining of the decisional process, and the consistent application of legal and equitable principles. The STB continues to strive to develop, through rulemakings and case disposition, new and better ways to analyze unique and complex problems, to reach fully justified decisions more quickly, and to reduce the costs associated with regulatory oversight.

Intercity Passenger Rail: Funding of $360 million is to be made available to support existing commuter service along the Northeast Corridor and elsewhere should Amtrak cease commuter rail operations.