"Tonight, I propose a “Fix-It-First” program to put people to work as soon as possible on our most urgent repairs, like the nearly 70,000 structurally deficient bridges across the country. And to make sure taxpayers don’t shoulder the whole burden, I’m also proposing a Partnership to Rebuild America that attracts private capital to upgrade what our businesses need most: modern ports to move our goods; modern pipelines to withstand a storm; modern schools worthy of our children. Let’s prove that there is no better place to do business than the United States of America. And let’s start right away."
President Barack Obama
2013 State of the Union
The President’s FY 2014 budget request for the Department of Transportation is $77 billion – 6% above the FY 2012 enacted levels. The President’s Budget also includes a $50 billion program to provide immediate transportation investments in key areas. These resources will fund needed investments in our vital transportation systems while at the same time creating jobs and strengthening our Nation’s economy.
Rail transportation plays a vital part in our surface transportation network. For FY 2014, the President proposes $6.4 billion to continue construction of a national high performance rail network. This will allow us to invigorate our investment in our current passenger rail services while also focusing our attention on developing high speed passenger rail corridors, improving freight rail capacity, and enhancing safety and system reliability.
The President’s budget request fully supports the program structure and performance based investment approach outlined in the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21). In FY 2014, we will direct $53 billion in resources towards our highway, transit, and highway safety programs. With these funds, we will be able to strengthen our transportation system, create jobs and grow our economy.
The President’s budget request maintains the commitment to our Nation’s future aviation needs. Nearly $1 billion is proposed to continue our emphasis on the modernization of the Nation’s air traffic system (NextGen), which remains one of the Department’s highest priorities.
The President’s budget request also includes a total of $155 million in funding to ensure that we maintain the highest safety standards for our Nation’s pipeline system.
The President’s budget requests $50 billion for immediate transportation investments to spur job growth and enhance our Nation’s infrastructure. These investments would create jobs and invest in transportation assets most in need of repair.
