Latest Updates from USDOT

In This Issue Secretary Buttigieg Joins Amtrak Gulf Coast Rail Groundbreaking Ceremony in Mobile DOT Issues Landmark $50 Million Penalty Against American Airlines USDOT Announces More than $4.2 Billion for Transformational Infrastructure Projects FAA Awards Nearly $1 Billion in Funding to Modernize Airport Terminals Across 46 States PHMSA Announces Nearly $200 Million to Replace Aging Gas Pipes & Cut Methane Emissions FAA Issues New Powered Lift Rule, Paving the Way for Air Travel of the Future FHWA Sends Virginia $10 Million for Hurricane Helene Emergency Relief Funding

 

 

ON THE ROAD FOR AMERICA’S INFRASTRUCTURE

 

Secretary Buttigieg Celebrates Groundbreaking to Restore Gulf Coast Passenger Rail

 

On Tuesday, Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) Administrator Amit Bose traveled to Mobile, Alabama where they joined Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson, Amtrak President Roger Harris, Southern Rail Commission Chairman Knox Ross, CSX officials, and other local leaders and supporters for a groundbreaking ceremony for the Gulf Coast Corridor Improvement project, which will restore passenger rail service to the Gulf Coast. The Secretary’s visit to Mobile was the first for a sitting U.S. Transportation Secretary in nine years.

 

Secretary Buttigieg with Local Officials at the Gulf Coast Corridor Groundbreaking Ceremony

 

Once the layover track and platform are completed, Amtrak will resume twice-daily passenger service between Mobile and New Orleans, with four stops in coastal Mississippi (as depicted in the map below), for the first time since Hurricane Katrina devastated the region in 2005. FRA awarded the project a $178 million grant from the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Program through the President’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). This stretch of track was previously used by Amtrak as part of its Sunset Limited line, but service was shut down when Hurricane Katrina devastated the region in August 2005. You can read the transcript of the Secretary’s remarks here, and the video of the groundbreaking ceremony is available here.

 

Southern Rail Commission Graphic of the Gulf Coast Corridor Improvement Project

 

 

ALL-OF-GOVERNMENT RESPONSE TO HURRICANE HELENE

 

FHWA Sends Virginia $10 Million in Emergency Relief Funding

for Roads and Bridges Damaged by Hurricane Helene

 

On October 18, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) announced the immediate release of $10 million in “Quick Release” Emergency Relief (E.R.) funding for the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT). These funds are a down payment to support emergency repair work stemming from Hurricane Helene, which caused damages to roads and bridges in southwestern Virginia, including road washouts. VDOT will use the emergency relief funds to restore and reopen the one-mile section of Route 58 that is currently washed out and on other sections of the route that require repair.

 

USDOT Graphic

 

FHWA’s E.R. program  provides funding to states, territories, tribes, and Federal Land Management Agencies for highways and bridges damaged by natural disasters or catastrophic events. Quick Release E.R. funds are an initial installment of funds toward restoring essential transportation links. Additional funds needed to repair damage in Virginia will be supported by the E.R. program through nationwide funding allocations. Virginia requested and the FHWA approved the “quick release” following “quick release” funding provided recently to North Carolina, Tennessee, and South Carolina for Hurricane Helene damage.

 

 

ENSURING EQUITY IN TRANSPORTATION

 

DOT Issues Landmark $50 Million Penalty Against American Airlines

 

On Wednesday, USDOT announced a $50 million penalty against American Airlines for numerous serious violations of the laws protecting airline passengers with disabilities between 2019 and 2023. USDOT’s investigation into American Airlines uncovered cases of unsafe physical assistance that at times resulted in injuries and undignified treatment of wheelchair users, in addition to repeated failures to provide prompt wheelchair assistance. American also mishandled thousands of wheelchairs by damaging them or delaying their return, leaving travelers without the devices they need for mobility. DOT regulations require airlines to return wheelchairs and other mobility devices in the condition in which they were received on a timely basis, and to provide passengers with disabilities prompt assistance to get on and off aircraft, including moving within the airport. The Department also considers violations of these regulations for those traveling on domestic flights to be a failure to provide safe and adequate service. In July 2022, DOT published the first-ever Airline Passengers with Disabilities Bill of Rights to help travelers understand what they’re entitled to when they fly.

 

USDOT Graphic

 

In its investigation of American Airlines, USDOT reviewed complaints against the airline involving allegations of inadequate wheelchair assistance, including three formal complaints filed by Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) alleging similar issues. USDOT investigated American’s handling of wheelchairs between 2019 and 2023, including an incident captured on video at Miami International Airport of American’s personnel mishandling a wheelchair by dropping it down a baggage ramp. American had been one of the worst performers among U.S. airlines in terms of both the total number of wheelchairs and scooters mishandling claims and the rate of mishandling claims, and USDOT’s investigation revealed a significant number of violations. These problems are not unique to American Airlines, and allegations of wheelchair mishandling, and inadequate wheelchair assistance are far too common. USDOT has active investigations into similar violations at other U.S. airlines. Today’s enforcement action is 25 times larger than USDOT’s previous largest airline penalty for violations of disability protections and sets a new precedent for how USDOT will enforce against such violations going forward. Read the consent order here.

 

 

ADVANCING INNOVATION IN AVIATION

 

With New Powered Lift Rule, FAA is Ready for Air Travel of the Future

 

The FAA is ready for “powered lift,” which will be the first completely new category of civil aircraft since helicopters were introduced in the 1940s. Powered lift operations include air taxis, cargo delivery and a variety of operations within urban and rural areas. On Tuesday, the agency announced it has issued a final rule for the qualifications and training that instructors and pilots must have to fly aircraft in the powered-lift category, which have characteristics of both airplanes and helicopters. The rule also addresses their operational requirements, including minimum safe altitudes and required visibility. The rule is the final piece of the puzzle for safely introducing these aircraft in the near term. The opportunities for the use of powered lift operations are far-reaching, from transporting passengers in urban areas and short-haul operations such as air ambulance services and cargo operations to potentially serving smaller communities over time.

 

Screengrab of FAA Video on the Powered Lift Rule Announcement

 

The FAA previously determined it could certify powered lift using existing regulations and updated other regulations so air taxis could be used commercially. Last year the agency released a blueprint for how Urban Air Mobility vehicles will operate, which is a key element in maturing the overall Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) concept. A new pilot-training and qualifications rule was needed because existing regulations did not address this new category of aircraft, which can take off and land vertically like a helicopter and fly like an airplane during cruise flight. The rule provides a comprehensive framework for certifying the initial cadre of powered-lift instructors and pilots. You can read the FAA’s Medium blog and visit their AAM website for more details.

 

 

FUNDING AWARD ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

USDOT Announces More than $4.2 Billion from the BIL for

Transformational Infrastructure Projects

 

On Monday, Secretary Pete Buttigieg announced more than $4.2 billion from two major discretionary grant programs – the National Infrastructure Project Assistance (Mega) grant program and the Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) grant program – both of which have historic levels of funding included in the BIL. A total of 44 projects were selected in this round of funding, including projects that improve safety, mobility, and economic competitiveness, constructing major bridges, expanding port capacity, redesigning interchanges, and more. In this round of selections for the Mega program, USDOT is investing $1.68 billion into 11 projects that will generate national and regional economic, mobility, and safety benefits while creating U.S. jobs and lowering costs for consumers. For the INFRA program, funding for which was increased by more than 50 percent by the BIL, USDOT is investing $2.58 billion into 36 projects that will improve the safety, efficiency, and reliability of the movement of freight and people in and across rural and urban communities. Applications opened in March under a joint Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for this year’s $5.1 billion Multimodal Discretionary Grant (MPDG) Program, which allows applicants to submit one application for consideration under the Mega, INFRA, and Rural grant programs.

 

USDOT Graphic

 

Since the start of the Biden-Harris Administration, nearly $12.8 billion in funding through the INFRA and Mega programs has been announced for 140 projects across 42 states, Washington D.C., and Puerto Rico, including approximately 35 large bridge projects, 18 large port projects, 20 rail projects and 85 highway improvement projects. Approximately 53 percent of projects that have received funding to date are in rural communities, and about 42 percent of projects are located in disadvantaged communities, delivering on President Biden’s Justice40 Environmental Justice Initiative commitment.

 

USDOT FY 2025-2026 Mega and INFRA Awards Graphics

 

FAA Awards Nearly $1 Billion in Funding to Modernize Airport Terminals in 46 States

 

Yesterday, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced that it is awarding $970 million from the BIL to 125 U.S. airports, spanning 46 states, Guam, and Palau. This is the fourth investment of nearly $1 billion, furthering the Administration’s commitment to rebuilding our nation’s infrastructure while lowering costs for families, creating good jobs, and spurring economic growth.

 

FAA Map of FY 2025 ATP Grant Recipients and USDOT Graphic

 

Historically, the FAA has invested in runways, air traffic-control towers, and back-of-house infrastructure. The BIL included a new program focused on making the passenger experience better, improving accessibility for passengers with disabilities, and supporting sustainability all while creating good-paying construction jobs. These new awards include funding for new baggage systems, larger security checkpoints, increasing gate capacity, and modernizing aging infrastructure throughout terminals and ground transportation.

 

FHWA Awards More than $96 Million in Advanced Technology Grants

to Improve Safety and Reduce Travel Times

 

Yesterday, FHWA announced more than $96.5 million in grants to 20 projects in 16 states under the Advanced Transportation Technology and Innovation (ATTAIN) program. The grants will fund technology-based and multimodal solutions that improve the travel experience for millions of Americans who use our highway and transit systems, including in disadvantaged communities that have lacked investment and resources. The program promotes advanced technologies to improve safety and reduce travel times for drivers and transit riders that can serve as national examples of innovation to improve transportation options for all communities.  Overall, the 20 selected projects will help advance Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) technologies that improve mobility and safety. The projects include state-of-the art systems – including signal timing that works with transit and light rail, pedestrian and intersection safety, trip planning and ITS traffic management. Earlier this year the Department announced the Saving Lives with Connectivity: A Plan to Accelerate V2X Deployment. This plan will guide the implementation of vehicle-to-everything technologies across the nation and support USDOT’s commitment to pursue a comprehensive approach to reduce the number of roadway fatalities to zero.

 

PHMSA Announces Nearly $200 Million to Replace Aging Gas Pipes,

Lower Household Energy Bills and Cut Methane Emissions

 

On Tuesday, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Administration (PHMSA) announced at a press event in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania that is has awarded $196 million in Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 grants, funded by the BIL, to repair and replace aging natural gas pipes. PHMSA Deputy Administrator Tristan Brown was joined by Congresswoman Madeleine Dean, White House National Climate Advisor Ali Zaidi and other local officials and partners as they presented a check for nearly $40 million to the City of Philadelphia. The BIL authorized a nearly $1 billion investment over five years to modernize community-owned natural gas distribution pipes, helping lower energy costs for ratepayers, reduce methane pollution, and keep communities safe from pipeline failures. This round of funding from the Natural Gas Distribution Infrastructure Safety and Modernization Grants (NGDISM) will support 60 modernization projects for natural gas pipelines in 20 states, including first-time recipients in 14 states. This announcement brings the total amount awarded under the grant program to nearly $800 million across 227 projects in underserved rural and urban communities in 29 states since the program was created in 2022. Grant recipients are on track to repair, rehabilitate, or replace more than 1,000 miles of aging natural gas pipes and reduce nearly 1,000 metric tons of methane pollution, annually.

 

PHMSA NGDISM Press Event in Philadelphia (PGW Photo)

 

The BIL made the funding possible to repair or improve these aging or leak-prone systems, especially in underserved communities, and reduce the risks they face from leakage of methane while creating good-paying jobs, promoting economic growth, and lowering energy costs for thousands of families and businesses. Funding these projects also advances the Administration’s U.S. Methane Emissions Reduction Action Plan, leveraging all available tools to reduce methane emissions while protecting public health, promoting U.S. innovation in new technologies, lowering energy costs for families by reducing inefficiency and waste, and supporting good-paying jobs for thousands of skilled workers across the country. Methane pollution has 80 times the global warming potential as carbon dioxide over a 20-year period.

 

New USDOT Video Highlights How the BIL is Helping Richmond, Virginia

and Dozens of Other Communities Replace Old Natural Gas Pipes

 

Earlier this week, in conjunction with the PHMSA grant awards announcement described above, USDOT released the fifth installment of its Investing in America short-form documentary video series, focused on the work underway in Richmond, Virginia. The City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities is replacing over 59 miles of cast iron, ductile iron, and steel natural gas mains with modern, safer polyethylene (PE) pipes using funds made available through the BIL. The project will help keep Richmond residents safe and will save households an average of $519 on their energy bills. The project is also expected to reduce methane emissions by more than 188 metric tons each year, furthering the goals of the Methane Emissions Reduction Action Plan.

 

Click here to watch the video

 

About the Investing in America Video Series:

 

• The first video, released in March, highlights the Blatnik Bridge, which connects Duluth, Minnesota, and Superior, Wisconsin, and which would have had to close altogether if not for the investments from the BIL to repair the bridge.
• The second video, released in May, showcases Philadelphia’s Chinatown Stitch project, which received $159 million to cap the Vine Street Expressway and address historic inequities.
• The third video, released in July, focuses on the men and women producing American-made steel out of Coatesville, Pennsylvania, and the “Build America, Buy America” provisions of the BIL.
• The fourth video, released in August, discusses how the BIL is transforming transportation for the disability community.

 

ROADWAY SAFETY

 

Join NHTSA’s Fall 2024 Safety Research Portfolio Public Meeting, October 28-30

 

Join the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for its virtual Fall 2024 Safety Research Portfolio Public Meeting, which will be conducted from October 28-30. The agency's Vehicle Safety Research and Behavioral Safety Research offices will share information on activities within NHTSA’s broader research programs. This Public Meeting is intended to provide outreach to the public and the stakeholder community regarding NHTSA’s overall research agenda. NHTSA technical research staff will discuss projects recently concluded or underway and may also introduce early-stage projects. As time allows, there will be an opportunity for session attendees to submit questions. More details are available in the August 2024 Federal Register Notice. Please see the following schedule below, noting that each of the three days requires a separate registration via the links below.

• Day 1: October 28, 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Eastern Time. Register here.
• Topics: Crashworthiness; Experimental and Computational Biomechanics & Injury; and Advanced Crash Test Dummies.
• Day 2: October 29, 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern Time. Register here.
• Topics: Vehicle Electronics/ Cybersecurity and Alternative Fuels; Automated Driving Systems; Driver Assistance; and Human Factors.
• Day 3: October 30, 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Eastern Time. Register here.
• Topics: Vulnerable Road Users; Behavioral Safety; and Impaired Driving.

NHTSA is committed to providing equal access to this event for all participants. People with disabilities can submit an accommodation request, and people with limited English proficiency can submit a language access request. Please submit requests to NHTSA.Communication@dot.gov.

 

 

EXPANDING SMALL BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

 

Upcoming OSDBU-Sponsored Events

 

USDOT’s Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU) invites small business leaders and entrepreneurs to join them for the following upcoming events:

 

“From Innovation to Execution: Best Practices and Lessons Learned in AI”

 

OSDBU Graphic

 

In collaboration with USDOT’s Highly Automated Systems Safety Center of Excellence (HASS COE), OSDBU will conduct an industry webinar on Thursday, October 30, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time. The webinar aims to facilitate an informational exchange on bridging the gap between innovation and execution for small businesses that are contemplating competing for contracts to develop Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications to support automated transportation systems and transportation industry stakeholders. Register here.

 

Second Annual “Accelerating Veteran Small Business Success at the USDOT” Summit

 

In observance of Veteran’s Day, OSDBU will host its second annual Small Business Summit: Accelerating Veteran Small Business Success at USDOT on Thursday, November 14, 2024, from 8:00 am to 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time. The purpose of this daylong, in-person event is to celebrate and recognize our veteran small business owners and their service to the nation. The event will have various sessions focused on contract opportunities for small businesses, small business subcontracting, certifications and goals for veteran-owned small businesses (VOSB), and access to capital. Register here.

 

OSDBU Small Business Summit Graphic

 

For questions about any OSDBU events, please e-mail OSDBU at dot-osdbu@dot.gov. Please visit the OSDBU website to find out more about upcoming events, and available technical assistance. 

 

 

RESOURCES

 

The Department recently posted the fact sheet below highlighting the investments in the U.S. aviation system provided by the BIL, which provided an unprecedented $20 billion in airport infrastructure funding that is improving the passenger experience, modernizing America’s airports, and enhancing competition in the airline industry. It further invests another $5 billion into critical infrastructure improvements to air traffic control facilities to enhance safety and efficiency for the traveling public.

 

USDOT Fact Sheet on the BIL’s Investments in Aviation

 

BTS Releases National Transportation Atlas Database Fall 2024 Update

 

Earlier today, the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) today released its fall 2024 update to the National Transportation Atlas Database (NTAD), a set of nationwide geographic databases of transportation facilities, networks, and associated infrastructure. BTS now uses a dynamic NTAD publication cycle, with updated data released throughout the year as they become available from their respective government agencies. Follow BTS on Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram or subscribe to email updates for announcements of additional dataset releases throughout the year.

 

 

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