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U.S. Department of Transportation
2007 Budget in Brief

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
Federal Transit Administration (FTA)
Federal Railroad Administration (FRA)
Research and Special Programs Administration (RSPA)
Maritime Administration (MARAD)
Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation (SLSDC)
Office of the Secretary
Office of the Inspector General (OIG)
Surface Transportation Board (STB)

Federal Aviation Administration

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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 2007 budget request of $13.7 billion for the FAA reflects the Administration's commitment to increase the performance and capacity of our aviation system.

FY 2007 Budget

Operations: The President's FY 2007 budget requests $8.4 billion for FAA Operations. Most of the funds requested for FAA Operations in FY 2007 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 — $7.6 billion includes all funding for inspecting aircraft and ensuring the safety of flight procedures. This includes an increase of $18.2 million to hire and train 1,1136 air traffic controllers, resulting in a net gain of 132 controllers; $8 million to expand the Air Transportation Oversight System, $4.8 million for new aviation safety requirements; and $5.7 million for future aviation safety initiatives. 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.

• Mobility — The request includes $480.9 million to improve air traffic efficiency by various means, including improving the flow of air traffic through better airspace design.

• Other — The request includes $242.6 million to promote other goals, most notably global connectivity, environmental stewardship, security, and improvements in organizational excellence.

Facilities and Equipment: The FAA requests $2.5 billion to continue to improve and modernize the equipment central to the (NAS). The request includes:

• Safety — $479.7 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, oceanic automation to improve flight route flexibility, and significant infrastructure improvements to reduce outages caused by older, less capable facilities and equipment.

• Global Connectivity — $3.7 million for projects to support navigation aids.

• Environmental Stewardship — $61.9 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 — $57.2 million for projects to support security goals, including $45 million for security of NAS facilities.

• Organizational Excellence — $237.5 million for projects to support telecommunications infrastructure and competitive sourcing initiatives.

Research, Engineering, and Development: The budget requests $130 million, including $88 million for continued research on aviation safety issues. The remaining research funding is for mobility and environmental issues, including $18 million for the Joint Planning and Development Office.

Grants-in-Aid for Airports: The budget request includes $2.75 billion for planning and development of the Nation's airports, including grants for security, safety, capacity, and noise-reduction projects. Funding also includes $75 million for administrative expenses, and $17.9 million for airport technology research.

Federal Highway Administration

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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 2007 budget request of $39.1 billion in obligation limitation will allow the FHWA to address these challenges.

FY 2007 Budget

The Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU), enacted August 10, 2005, provides for increased transportation infrastructure investment, strengthens transportation safety programs and environmental programs, and continues core research activities. SAFETEA-LU, along with Title 23, U.S.C. ("Highways") and other supporting legislation, provides authority for the various programs of the Federal Highway Administration designed to improve highways throughout the Nation. The President's Budget for FY 2007 continues transportation infrastructure investment to increase the mobility and productivity of the Nation, strengthens transportation safety programs, and provides a focus on program efficiencies, oversight, and accountability.

 In FY 2007, the Federal Highway Administration continues major programs, including the Surface Transportation Program, the National Highway System, Interstate Maintenance, the Highway Bridge Replacement and Rehabilitation Program, the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program, and the Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act program.

SAFETEA-LU authorizes a new Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP), and an Equity Bonus program that replaces the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century's (TEA-21) Minimum Guarantee program. Other new programs include the Coordinated Border Infrastructure Program, Highways for Life pilot program, National Corridor Infrastructure Improvement Program, projects of national and regional significance, and Safe Routes to School.

The FY 2007 program level budget request of $39.8 billion supports the Administration's blueprint for the future, as described in SAFETEA-LU. 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 2007 budget request includes an obligation limitation of $31.9 billion for the FAHP. This funding reflects the level authorized in SAFETEA-LU and includes an upward adjustment of $842 million for the Revenue Aligned Budget Authority (RABA) provisions contained in SAFETEA-LU.

By including additional resources from State and local governments that utilize the funds for highway investment, this amount is more than doubled. 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. Estimated obligations for the Federal-aid Highway Program in FY 2007 include the following:

• National Highway System (NHS) - $7.8 billion for the National Highway System, which consists of roads that are of primary Federal interest, including the current Interstate system, other rural principal arterials, urban freeways and connecting urban principal arterials, and facilities on the Defense Department's designated Strategic Highway Network, and roads connecting the NHS to intermodal facilities.

• Surface Transportation Program (STP) - $7.5 billion for the STP program which supports projects on any Federal-aid highway, bridge projects on any public road, transit capital projects, and intracity and intercity bus terminals and facilities.

• Interstate Maintenance (IM) - $5.1 billion for the IM program which is designed to rehabilitate, restore, resurface and reconstruct the interstate system.

• Bridge Replacement and Rehabilitation - $4.2 billion for the bridge program which enables States to improve the condition of their bridges through replacement, rehabilitation, and systematic preventive maintenance.

• Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program (CMAQ) - $2.0 billion for the CMAQ program which supports transportation projects that assist in meeting and maintaining national ambient air quality standards.

• Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) - For FY 2007, $1.5 billion is estimated to be obligated for the new highway infrastructure safety program (previously funded by set-aside from STP), that was established as a core program beginning in FY 2006. The program, which features strategic safety planning and performance, devotes additional resources and supports innovative approaches to reducing highway fatalities and injuries on all public roads.

• Research and Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) - The FHWA conducts a comprehensive research, development, and technology program to support the Federal-aid Highways and Federal Lands Highway Programs. The FY 2007 Budget requests a program level of $467.6 million for research and development (R&D), including an obligation limitation of $429.8 million. The Budget proposes dedicating an additional $37.8 million from the FY 2007 Federal-aid obligation limitation for research. This level of funding will provide FHWA resources to pursue work critical to the Department and its stakeholders.

• 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 $346 million estimated to be obligated for the FLHP in FY 2007 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.

• TIFIA Program - The Transportation Infrastructure and Innovation Act (TIFIA) loan program leverages limited Federal resources and stimulates private investment by providing credit assistance for major transportation projects. FHWA offers assistance through secured direct loans, loan guarantees, and lines of credit. For FY 2007, $131 million is estimated to be obligated for TIFIA projects. TIFIA assistance is available for highway, transit, rail and port projects costing at least $50 million, and Intelligent Transportation System projects costing at least $15 million.

• Limitation on Administrative Expenses - A Limitation on Administrative Expenses (LAE) of $372.5 million is requested for FY 2007 for the necessary salaries and on-going administrative expenses in support of the above Federal programs.

• 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.

Open Roads Financing Pilot Program: $100 million is requested for a pilot program that would involve up to five States in evaluating innovative ways to finance and manage major parts of their highway systems. Fuel tax revenues may become insufficient to finance highway improvements needed to reduce congestion, maintain mobility, and assure that our highway systems serve the needs of our growing economy. Furthermore, current financing mechanisms provide very few incentives to improve the operational performance of the existing highway system, particularly during peak periods. This pilot program would provide funding for States to demonstrate the benefits of more efficient methods of charging for the use of major portions of their highway system. Innovative mechanisms will be sought that can augment existing sources of State highway funding as well as improve highway performance and reduce congestion.

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

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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. Twelve percent of all the people killed in motor vehicle crashes die in crashes involving a large truck. In 2004, approximately 116,000 were injured in crashes involving large trucks and 5,190 people died. This compares to 5,036 deaths and 122,000 injuries in 2003. 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 2007 budget request for FMCSA, $521 million, will help meet this challenge.

FY 2007 Budget

Motor Carrier Safety Operations & Programs: $223 million requested to support critical motor carrier program activities that will reduce crashes, save lives, and prevent injuries on our Nation's highways. The FY 2007 budget proposes the following funding requests aimed at meeting DOT's strategic goals and performance targets:

• Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety — $172.3 million is dedicated to reducing the incidence and severity of commercial truck and bus crashes by advancing motor carrier standards and rule-making; 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 — $10.2 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 — $8.1 million is requested to improve the security of motor carrier transport of hazardous materials through outreach and security operations.

• Commercial Motor Vehicle Productivity — $2.1 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 — $30.1 million is requested to meet the objectives of the President's Management Agenda in the areas of strategic management of human capital, citizien-centered e-government, competitive sourcing, financial and procurement performance, and budget and performance integration. Efforts focused on evaluating and improving business practices and processes that support program delivery.

Motor Carrier Safety Grants: $298 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: Motor Carrier Safety Grants support both Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety and Hazardous Materials Safety.

Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety: $289 million is requested to support State enforcement, regulatory compatibility, and safety information capabilities. Included within this request is:

• Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program (MCSAP) State Grants - $201 million (which includes a Revenue Aligned Budget Authority transfer from FHWA of $3.5 million) 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 Commercial Drivers' License (CDL) - $25 million is included to improve State CDL oversight activities to prevent unqualified drivers from being issued licenses.

• Commercial Vehicle Information Systems and Networks (CVISN) Grants - State enforcement officials will be provided a framework to exchange safety information so they can focus resources on high-risk and previously un-inspected commercial vehicles and operators through the $25 million CVISN grant, enabling more effective, targeted compliance and enforcement.

• International Border Enforcement — State safety enforcement efforts at the international borders are funded at $32 million to ensure Mexican and Canadian trucks and buses adhere to the same safety standards as U.S. motor carriers.

• Commercial Drivers License Information System (CDLIS) — $7 million is included to enable FMCSA to work with the American Association of Motor Vehicles Administrators (AAMVA) to complete specifications for the new CDLIS system. Begin providing grants to States to assist them in making changes to their licensing systems to incorporate the new CDLIS specifications.

• Performance Registration Information Systems and Management (PRISM) — $5 million is provided for the PRISM programs, which links State motor vehicle registration systems with carrier safety data in order to identify unsafe commercial trucks and busses.

• Safety Data Improvement Grants — The Safety Data Improvement Grants will provide $3 million so States can purchase equipment to support data improvement programs, revise outdated crash report forms, hire staff to code and enter crash data, train law enforcement officers in collecting crash data, develop software to transfer data from the State repository to SAFETYNET, and purchase software for field data collection and data transfer.

Hazmat Materials Safety: $9 million is requested to continue a grant program in support of Stat HAZMAT enforcement and regulatory compatibility at the international borders with Mexico Canada to ensure that all points of entry to the U.S. transportation system are fortified with comprehensive safety measures.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

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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. In 2001, traffic crashes were the leading cause of death for persons ages 2 and 4 through 33. In 2002, motor vehicle crashes claimed nearly 43,000 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 elderly and teenage drivers, pose increased traffic safety challenges that must be addressed. The President's FY 2007 budget request includes $689 million for NHTSA to carry out its mission. The request reflects an increase of $18 million above the FY 2004 enacted level, plus the transfer of the safety belt use and impaired-driving law incentive programs from the Federal Highway Administration to NHTSA in FY 2007.

FY 2007 Budget

Operations and Research: The FY 2007 budget request includes $231 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 — $86 million request includes crashworthiness research for occupant protection and biomechanics; driver distraction testing; crash causation research; promote the use of linked databases (i.e. crash and injury/medical outcome files); and national crash data systems.

• Highway Safety Programs — $58 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, correct placement of child safety restraints, safety programs for older drivers and graduated driver licensing (GDL) laws. Funds will also be used to strengthen motorcycle and bicycle rider, pedestrian, and pupil transportation safety programs by developing additional countermeasures. In addition, NHTSA will continue to serve the lead Federal Emergency Medical Services (EMS) agency in coordinating and facilitating EMS system development and effecting system improvements, as well as the development of improved crash investigation procedures and Enhanced-9-1-1 (E-9-1-1).

• Enforcement — The $36 million request includes vehicle testing to ensure compliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, investigate alleged safety-related defects, enforce federal odometer law, ensure compliance with motor vehicle safety and automotive fuel economy standards, and conduct safety recalls, as warranted.

• Rulemaking — $28 million is requested for crash avoidance and crashworthiness testing; evaluating child safety seats; 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 (NCAP) and the www.safercar.gov website, consumer 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. In addition, NHTSA will continue its active participation in the International Policy and Harmonization program.

• National Driver Register - $4 million is requested to provide an efficient and timely database that keeps problem drivers from operating private and commercial vehicles and aids in the decision making for other transportation modes' certification procedures.
  
  Highway Traffic Safety Grants: NHTSA's highway traffic safety grant programs will help reduce motor vehicle crashes, deaths and injuries by supporting implementation of proven and innovative countermeasures aimed at a wide range of factors contributing to crashes and injuries. The FY 2007 budget request of $584 million includes the following:

• State and Community Highway Safety Grants - $220 million is requested to support the full range of highway safety initiatives in every State, territory, and the Indian Nations.

• Alcohol-Impaired Driving Countermeasures Incentive Grants - The $125 million request will enable qualifying States, territories and Indian Nations to adopt and implement effective programs to reduce driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.

• Safety Belt Performance Grants - The $124.5 million request provides broad support for highway safety to States and territories that enact primary safety belt laws applicable to all passenger motor vehicles

• State Traffic Safety Information System Improvements Grants - $34.5 million is requested to enable qualifying States, territories and Indian Nations improve the timeliness, accuracy, completeness, uniformity and accessibility of their traffic records and related data. This, in turn, will help them better identify their highest priority traffic safety needs and allocate their resources where they will have the greatest life-saving impact.

• High Visibility Enforcement - $25 million is requested for at least two high visibility safety belt and impaired driving enforcement campaigns annually, each to include an evaluation component.

• Occupant Protection Incentive Grants - $25 million will help qualifying States implement and enforce occupant protection programs for the general population.

• Grant Administrative Expenses - $17.8 million is requested to cover salaries and operating expenses related to grant administration, fully fund the National Occupant Protection Use Survey, and partially fund the Highway Safety Research Program.

• Child Safety and Child Booster Seat Incentive Grants - $6 million will help qualifying States implement and enforce occupant protection programs for children.

• Motorcyclist Safety Grants - The $6 million requested for the program in FY 2007 will help qualifying States improve motorcyclist safety training and motorcyclist awareness programs, and curb the sharply climbing rate of motorcyclist fatalities.

Federal Transit Administration

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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 or natural disasters. 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 2007 budget request includes $8.9 billion for Federal transit programs, which 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.

FY 2007 Budget

In FY 2007, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) requests $8.9 billion in budget authority, $370 million (4.4 percent) above the enacted level for FY 2006. The budget request maintains the commitment to public transportation embodied in the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU). SAFETEA-LU reflects the Administration's determination to keep its commitments, especially to the people who depend on public transportation for basic mobility. SAFETEA-LU will continue to provide stable, predictable formula funds to urbanized areas, significantly increase funding for underserved rural communities, honor multi-year funding commitments under the New Starts program, and perhaps most importantly, improve services to the elderly, low income, and persons with disabilities through coordinated planning and predictable funding.

Formula and Bus Grants: FTA requests $7.3 billion for transit services, 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 and Bus Grants program will contribute $7.6 million to improve the accessibility of over-the-road buses, $25 million for alternatives analysis for projects, and $3.5 million for the National Transit Database. The following summary describes the major programs within this account:

Research and University Research: FTA requests $61 million for the National Research Programs. This program includes $40.4 million for National Research and Technology Programs to support activities to develop solutions that improve public transportation, $9.3 million for the Transit Cooperative Research Program, $4.3 million for the National Transit Institute training programs, and $7 million for the University Transportation Research Program. Within the National Research and Technology Programs, FTA is proposing $1.2 million for its clean fuels and electric drive bus deployment (hybrid-electric) program to encourage increased deployment of new low or zero emissions technology, particularly hybrid electric buses by a greater number of the nation's transit agencies.

Capital Investment Grants: $1.5 billion is proposed in FY 2007 for the construction of new fixed guideway and non-fixed guideway corridor systems, and extensions to existing systems. SAFETEA-LU expands 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. In addition, a new "small starts" program will incorporate criteria to evaluate projects that are under $250 million in total cost. The request includes funding for 23 existing, pending and anticipated Full Funding Grant Agreements (FFGAs), which are multi-year contractual agreements between FTA and grantees. Located in 15 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.

Transit Security: $42.5 million is requested to support transit security, which will remain a high priority in FY 2007. 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 emphasize 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, $68 million is requested in FY 2007. Project and financial management oversight are core management responsibilities of FTA, and are essential to good stewardship of Federal taxpayers' dollars.

Federal Railroad Administration

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Overview: The mission of the Federal Railroad Administration is to ensure that our Nation has safe, secure, and efficient rail transportation that enhances the quality of life for all. The FY 2007 budget request of $185 million supports our commitment to continue and improve the Nation's strong railroad safety record. It also provides funding to ensure the continuation of passenger rail operations in the Northeast Corridor and elsewhere.

FY 2007 Budget

Grants to Amtrak: The Administration called for real reform of Amtrak and intercity passenger rail in its FY 2006 budget. The Administration’s efforts to reform Amtrak and fundamentally change the manner by which intercity passenger rail services are provided are beginning to show progress. This last year, the Amtrak Board of Directors committed to ambitious reform improvements; a new management team is being put in place with a mandate to reshape the company; and Congress provided tools that will enable DOT to oversee and promote necessary changes. Nevertheless, much more action is required to remedy Amtrak’s entrenched and well-document problems.

The FY 2007 request of $900 million would enable Amtrak’s new management team to keep the trains running and act on its mandate to reshape the company. This request includes $500 million for capital costs that, when combined with collections from Amtrak partners, will enable infrastructure repairs that the Administration has supported in its own reform program.

Safety & Operations: Safety remains FRA's most important area of attention. The request for FY 2007 includes $151 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 2007 budget reflects an increase of 4.2 percent over the FY 2006 enacted level for this account. New initiatives include increased staffing focusing on rail integrity, coordination of emergency management, and the management of our increasing track geometry program. These additional employees directly affect our safety goals, in accordance with the FRA Rail Safety Action Plan released in 2005.

Research & Development: In FY 2007, $35 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. These funds will underwrite research supporting the FRA's Rail Safety Action Plan.

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 2007.

Research and Innovative Technology Administration

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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 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 2007 budget request of $35.2 million is composed of $27 million from the Highway Trust Fund and $8.2 million from the General Fund appropriation. In addition, RITA will undertake over $300 million in transportation-related research, education, and technology application on a reimbursable basis for other agencies.

Research and Innovative Technology Administration Budget

(Dollars in Millions)

1/ For FY 2005, Research and Development funding prior to the effective date of the reorganization is shown under the Research and Special Programs account of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (formerly the Research and Special Programs Administration).

Summary of RITA FY 2007 Increases and Decreases

(Dollars in Millions)

The Administration's FY 2007 budget request reflects a reorganization of several of the Department of Transportation's intermodal and multi-modal research and related activities into a single agency.

Research & Development: The budget request includes $8.2 million for Research and Development. RITA will coordinate and advance the pursuit of transportation research that cuts across all modes of transportation. In addition, the agency will promote and advance innovative transportation technologies, such as hydrogen fuels and remote sensing, intended to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the movement of people and goods.

Transportation Statistics and Information: In FY 2007, $27 million is requested for the Bureau of Transportation Statistics to provide multi-modal and intermodal transportation data and information through public venues. Airline, travel and freight data make up the largest portion of BTS activity but are complemented by work in geospatial data and transportation economics, and the work of the National Transportation Library.

Consulting and Other Professional Services: Over $300 million in transportation-related research, education, and technology application will be conducted by RITA on a reimbursable basis for other agencies during FY 2007. The Volpe 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 University Transportation Centers, RITA will support the education of transportation professionals in obtaining advanced degrees in transportation-related programs from participating universities.

Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration

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Overview: The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) was created under the Norman Y. Mineta Research and Special 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 2007, 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.

FY 2007 Budget

Hazardous Materials Safety Program: The FY 2007 request provides $27.2 million, $1.4 million above the enacted FY 2006, to achieve PHMSA's share of the overall DOT performance target of no more than 466 serious hazardous materials incidents in 2007.

Emergency Preparedness Grants: The FY 2007 request provides $14 million, the same level of funding as in FY 2004, for States to train hazardous materials responders and improve response plans.

Pipeline Safety: For RSPA's research programs the budget request totals $3 million, the same as FY 2004, to improve DOT's Research and Development program, and to promote the safe transport of hydrogen fuels and fuel systems so that alternative-fuel vehicles can be developed as a safe alternative to petroleum-fueled vehicles. RSPA will be working with the Department of Energy to obtain $1 million in reimbursable funding for this purpose.

Administrative Expenses: The FY 2007 request includes $17.7 million for administrative expenses, $1.0 million above the enacted FY 2006 budget

Maritime Administration

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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, the Ready Reserve Force, and the War Risk Insurance program, 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, provide most of the new, skilled U.S. merchant marine officers needed to serve the Nation's defense and commercial maritime transportation needs. Through its ship disposal program, MARAD also continues to reduce the significant environmental risks posed by the presence of obsolete ships in the National Defense Reserve Fleet.

For FY 2007, MARAD is requesting $299 million to carryout the organizational mission.

FY 2007 Budget

Operations and Training: The FY 2007 budget request includes $116 million to support the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, State Maritime Schools, and MARAD operations. All three programs support national security, mobility, global connectivity, and environmental stewardship. The budget request includes $62 million for the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, including $15 million for critical capital improvement projects, $10 million for the six State Maritime Schools, and $44 million for MARAD Operations.

Maritime Security Program: The FY 2007 budget request includes $154 million for payments of up to $2.6 million per ship, as authorized by the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2004, less the rescission. MARAD will continue to retain a fleet of 60 active, militarily useful, privately owned vessels to meet national defense and other security requirements, and to maintain a U.S. presence in international commercial shipping. The Maritime Security Program, together with the Voluntary Intermodal Sealift Agreement Program, the Ready Reserve Force and the War Risk Insurance program, assures DOD access to ships and crews during DOD mobilizations, and helps ensure the efficient flow of military cargo through commercial ports.

Ship Disposal: The FY 2007 budget request includes $16 million to remove 13 obsolete ships from the National Defense Reserve Fleet (NDRF) for disposal. MARAD continues to pursue alternative disposal methods, such as export and artificial reefing initiatives, with other Federal agencies to minimize any impact on the human and natural environment. In addition, the budget request include