August 2005

Federal Transportation Victory 

ISAIAH leaders organize on the Transportation Equity issue at local, state and federal levels.  On August 10, 2005 the federal Transportation Equity Act-A Legacy for Users, was signed into law.  ISAIAH leaders, our Gamaliel affiliates and transportation equity allies have worked hard to pass this legislation.  This is a major investment in the transportation infrastructure of our country, to the benefit of the entire public.  Highlights:

- Guarantees more than $700 million for the Job Access and Reverse Commute program. The bill also increases the federal share of projects to 80 percent, which will make it easier to get these projects funded.

- Clears the way for local hiring agreements that could create job and training opportunities for low-income residents on more than $200 billion in federally aided highway projects.

- Requires public participation plans to be developed with the involvement of local residents in the metropolitan transportation planning process and requires greater financial transparency. 

- Sets aside $1 million each year for transportation equity research demonstration programs to improve the quality and quantity of information available on the impact of transportation on low-income and minority communities.