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Committee members say transportation bill drew scrutiny in senate over federal funding and transit
Summary
Committee members reported their transportation bill — covering roughly $894 million — drew questions in a senate presentation about potential federal formula shortfalls and public-transit funding; members plan follow-up as projects and testimony move forward.
Committee members said their transportation bill, which they characterized in the meeting as roughly $894,000,000, drew attention when it was presented in the senate earlier the same day, and senators raised concerns about federal formula dollars and public-transit funding.
Members said the senate presentation included a memo listing projects that could be delayed if expected federal funding did not materialize. Committee members said larger projects appeared on that list and that senators signaled some projects might need schedule or scope flexibility if federal allocations change. Members also said the senate is taking public-transit testimony this week and is scrutinizing transit funding closely.
The committee discussed next steps for oversight and communication. Members asked staff to obtain the list of projects and the memo shown to the senate so committee members can be “in the loop” about projects that may be delayed or re-scoped. Jenna Morris of the Agency of Transportation led the presentation to the senate, according to committee remarks; members said they would request her materials to share with the committee.
Committee members also noted that the transportation department is among the largest state agencies and that the bill did not include what members described as major controversial policy changes. They said any project delays driven by federal funding uncertainties could prompt follow-up through joint technical advisory channels, and that language to allow flexibility in timelines or scopes might be considered as the process continues.
Members pointed to public-transit testimony being taken in the senate this week and encouraged colleagues to watch the recorded senate session to follow the discussion. The committee did not take any formal votes on the transportation bill during this meeting.
The committee said it will request the senate presentation materials, the memo listing potentially delayed projects, and any project lists referenced in order to monitor which projects could be affected if federal formula funds are reduced or delayed. That information will inform whether statutory or budgetary language needs to include flexibility for schedule or scope changes.
