As the federal government hurtles towards the first government shutdown since the first Trump administration, towns and cities are concerned about additional delays in federal funding.
"Local governments may face interruptions in federal agency coordination, delays in crucial grant funding and overall uncertainty for a wide range of community programs," said Steve Patterson, Mayor of Athens, Ohio and president of the National League of Cities.
"We recognize the legitimate policy concerns outlined by both parties over the nation's budget; however, we urge members of Congress to continue working toward consensus and bipartisan compromise for the good of the nation's cities, towns and villages."
The concerns come on top of moves by the U.S. Department of Transportation to rescind infrastructure grants that were approved during the Biden Administration as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
The DOT is steering away from projects that contain elements related to climate change, or social justice. Projects involving bike lanes are proving to be favorite targets.
"Is that a major federal government priority?" asked DOT Deputy Secretary Steven Bradbury. "If we're talking just about a bike or pedestrian lane, I think traditionally one would think that's more of a local interest."
The comments came during an online interview with Politico Tuesday.
Bike lane projects in New Mexico, San Diego County, California, Boston, and Fairfield, Alabama have all been reported to be getting the axe.
"We're not opposed to bike lanes or pedestrian lanes if it comes with a roadway improvement," said Bradbury.
"But if you're just talking about a small local interest on something, I think we need to make the optimal use of the precious federal taxpayer dollar, and we can't just be throwing money at everything that sounds like a good idea."
The DOT claims to be working through a backlog of infrastructure projects that were announced during the Biden administration, but the funds have yet to be obligated.
Local infrastructure projects are often financed by bonds supplemented with federal grants and loans which are now moving into the back seat as formula funding and public private partnerships are attracting more attention.
"A lot of those projects involve P3 investments and opportunities for revenue," said Bradbury. "We're focused on is ensuring that there's a solid financial case, so that the U.S. government gets paid back on the loans it extends, and so we don't incur significant investment risk."
The DOT is also working to allay fears about the effects of a shutdown on air travel.
"Those air traffic controllers are a dedicated professional bunch," Bradbury said. "I saw that in the five-week lapse in 2018 to 2019. Even without regular paychecks, they all continue to work."
The Modern Skies Coalition, which includes representatives from 50 airline industry trade groups is lobbying Congress via a
Per the letter, "Shutdowns are extremely detrimental to the passengers and shippers as well as the aviation community because they force the FAA to, among other things, suspend air traffic controller and technician hiring and training."
While bracing for a shutdown the DOT is also
