Holland & Knight Scores Key Victories in Federal Transportation Bill
August 1, 2005
Washington, D.C. - With the passage of “The Safe, Accountable,
Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy For Users,”
Holland & Knight LLP successfully secured nearly $1 billion in federal funds and
authorizations for their transportation clients. The projects overlap into five
major areas including: roads ($307 million); New Starts projects ($508 million);
bridges ($328 million); buses ($93 million) and trails ($20 million). The
passage of the bill marks the end of a two-year impasse between Congress and the
Administration and remains in effect until 2009.
“Our Federal Practice and
Appropriations Team advocated tirelessly over the last three years on
transportation funding for our clients. Today’s
passage by Congress of the transportation bill has produced significant funding
for Holland & Knight clients,”
said Rich Gold, Public Policy & Regulation practice group leader. “We’re
very pleased to have worked with our clients and their congressional
representatives to achieve these improvements in transportation all around the
country.”
Holland & Knight’s
transportation clients include cities, counties, public transportation
authorities and rail freight transportation providers. Key highlights of the
bill include:
- $54 million for the construction of a new bridge in a major Midwest city.
The new structure will replace the existing four-lane bridge that is currently
closed due to serious structural deficiencies. It is believed that this will
greatly help stimulate economic development for the city.
- $71.6 million for a California county to widen an Interstate, bringing
congestion relief to one of the fastest-growing areas in the country. With
this infrastructure enhancement, it is believed that more companies, schools
and jobs will be brought to the area.
- $1.3 million for the transportation and redevelopment needs of a museum
and its surrounding historic waterfront property. Specifically, the project
includes the redevelopment of a historic waterfront & public recreation area;
construction of a visitor center & exhibit spaces; a free shuttle bus to area
museums, senior center and retail area; and a pedestrian walkway to safely
connect public recreation area with the center of town.
- $17.5 million for a public transportation authority to replace 54 buses
that have exceeded their useful life and to purchase 10 full size buses for
their immediate expansion needs. The replacement and expansion of the fleet
will promote the use of public transportation, help reduce traffic congestion,
reduce emissions and continue to position public transportation as a key part
of the economic engine driving the surrounding metropolitan area.
-
$17.6 million for a rail freight
transportation provider to improve current rail conditions. This money is
critical to public safety by allowing the continued safe transport of
chemicals via the rail and keeping it off the roads.
- $70.5 million Full Funding Grant Agreement for a major southern city.
These funds will allow for the construction of a bus rapid transit or light
rail transit line to serve key regions of the city for continued economic
development.
Contact: Beth Salvosa, (202) 663-7240