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Here is a Section 4(f) update from Preservation Action
VOINOVICH INTRODUCES 4(F) AMENDMENT
House Progress on TEA-21 Reauthorization Stalled
The Senate this week began debate on the Safe, Accountable, Flexible,
Efficient, Transportation Equity Act, (SAFETEA) S. 1072, its six-year
reauthorization plan for TEA-21. On the floor Thursday, Senator George
Voinovich (R-OH) announced that he planned to introduce an amendment when floor time allowed that "represents an agreement reached by the
transportation community and the historic preservation community." Although
the amendment was not formally introduced nor numbered, Voinovich did
summarize its provisions, "the amendment states that section 4(f)
requirements are satisfied if the Secretary makes a finding of de minimis
impact to a protected site. For historic sites, such a finding occurs if
the project has no adverse effect on the site and there is written
concurrence from the State or Tribal historic preservation officer." He
added that the amendment requires public notice and a formal public comment
process.
This amendment was developed after consultation between the National Trust
for Historic Preservation and the Ohio Department of Transportation. Both
were explicitly praised by Senator Voinovich who acknowledged that there
were many groups who would have preferred greater reform. The 4(f)
amendment will be formally considered when the Senate reconvenes Monday,
February 9.
Meanwhile, the House has made little progress advancing its reauthorization
bill, the Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users, (TEA-LU), H.R.
3550. House Republican Leaders and the White House have scoffed at the
bill's price tag -- $375 billion or some $128 billion more than the
President's plan. However, House Transportation and Infrastructure
Committee Chairman Don Young (R-AK) is standing tough on the money issue.
He is expected to ask that TEA-21's temporary authorization be extended, yet
again, in order for him to negotiate a financing package which he hopes will
include a gas tax hike. The pressure on Young to keep things moving will
only grow stronger as the Senate works to wrap up the matter, and the
all-consuming season of appropriations dawns in April. But, for now, Young
appears willing to hold out for a well-funded bill, rather than a timely
one.
VOINOVICH INTRODUCES 4(F) AMENDMENT
House Progress on TEA-21 Reauthorization Stalled
The Senate this week began debate on the Safe, Accountable, Flexible,
Efficient, Transportation Equity Act, (SAFETEA) S. 1072, its six-year
reauthorization plan for TEA-21. On the floor Thursday, Senator George
Voinovich (R-OH) announced that he planned to introduce an amendment when floor time allowed that "represents an agreement reached by the
transportation community and the historic preservation community." Although
the amendment was not formally introduced nor numbered, Voinovich did
summarize its provisions, "the amendment states that section 4(f)
requirements are satisfied if the Secretary makes a finding of de minimis
impact to a protected site. For historic sites, such a finding occurs if
the project has no adverse effect on the site and there is written
concurrence from the State or Tribal historic preservation officer." He
added that the amendment requires public notice and a formal public comment
process.
This amendment was developed after consultation between the National Trust
for Historic Preservation and the Ohio Department of Transportation. Both
were explicitly praised by Senator Voinovich who acknowledged that there
were many groups who would have preferred greater reform. The 4(f)
amendment will be formally considered when the Senate reconvenes Monday,
February 9.
Meanwhile, the House has made little progress advancing its reauthorization
bill, the Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users, (TEA-LU), H.R.
3550. House Republican Leaders and the White House have scoffed at the
bill's price tag -- $375 billion or some $128 billion more than the
President's plan. However, House Transportation and Infrastructure
Committee Chairman Don Young (R-AK) is standing tough on the money issue.
He is expected to ask that TEA-21's temporary authorization be extended, yet
again, in order for him to negotiate a financing package which he hopes will
include a gas tax hike. The pressure on Young to keep things moving will
only grow stronger as the Senate works to wrap up the matter, and the
all-consuming season of appropriations dawns in April. But, for now, Young
appears willing to hold out for a well-funded bill, rather than a timely
one.