White House signals support for low carbon transit plans

The Obama Administration has announced plans to revamp its funding guidelines for local transportation projects in an attempt to help speed the flow of cash to infrastructure projects that aim to curb carbon emissions and congestion.

Announcing the proposed changes last week, US Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said that the parameters for transit project funding should be expanded to increase the chances of green projects getting approval.

He said that in addition to cost and time saved, which were made the primary criteria for evaluating transit funding awards by the Bush Administration in 2005, “livability” criteria such as economic development opportunities and environmental benefits should also be factored in to decisions.

“Everywhere I go, the message is loud and clear: People want more and better transportation infrastructure in their communities