Welcome to the FastLane: The Official Blog of the U.S. Secretary of Transportation

Guest blogger Federal Transit Administrator Peter Rogoff: America’s Transit Systems Are On Track with Recovery Investments

Last week, we at the Federal Transit Administration were celebrating the achievement of a very important milestone: FTA beat the Sept. 1 deadline for providing all states and local communities at least half of their Recovery Act transit dollars.

Not only did we meet that critical goal, but we went even further. Working with nearly 600 transit providers around the country, FTA has awarded 88% of its Recovery Act transit formula funds—that’s $6.7 billion of the $7.5 billion apportioned through ARRA!

In celebrating this accomplishment, I couldn’t be more encouraged as I reflect on how those funds are being put to use rebuilding our nation’s transit infrastructure, creating good jobs around the country, improving the environment, and reducing America’s dependence on foreign oil.

I was especially pleased to be in South Bend in July for the groundbreaking of the 167,000 square-foot Emil “Lucky” Reznick Operations, Administration and Maintenance Facility, the largest transit project to be built in Indiana in over a decade. The state-of-the-art, energy-efficient facility will replace the current transit center, which was originally built to serve horses and wagons in the 1880s.

Other new multi-modal transit facilities are being built in Florida, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Texas. In addition to providing comfortable waiting areas and many other amenities for passengers, one transit center in Knoxville, Tennessee is being upgraded to include such energy efficient features as a geothermal heating and cooling system and energy-saving light fixtures with occupancy sensors.

Much needed repairs and refurbishment are also being made to ferry systems in Washington State, New York, Maine, California, and Puerto Rico. In some locations, ferries will be upgraded to allow greater capacity and accessibility to persons with disabilities; in others, ferry landings will be improved to allow better vehicle and pedestrian access.

Across the country, thousands of clean fuel buses are replacing diesel-powered vehicles that have outlived their useful lives. These new buses will be more accessible and will mean cleaner air today and a better environment for our children in the future.

And let’s not forget the track and bridge repair, new rail cars and locomotives, and new signal systems that are so vital to our nation’s rail transit systems. Passengers can look forward to riding to work in safer, more comfortable trains--that will get them to work and back home on time.

Reinvesting in the nation’s transit systems has the added benefit of putting Americans back to work. The $6.7 billion obligated by the Federal Transit Administration thus far will create nearly 73,000 jobs that would not have otherwise existed. By the time the entire $7.5 billion has been obligated, more than 80,000 Americans who would have found themselves out of work will be able to feed their families, pay their mortgages, and make repairs on their cars.

We’re well on our way to the finish line, but there is still much to be accomplished. I encourage you to take some time browsing our ARRA Grants Digest to truly get a feel for how the Federal Transit Administration is moving forward to deliver on the Recovery Act’s goals.

PHOTO: Federal Transit Administrator Peter Rogoff at groundbreaking ceremony for NJ Transit’s Mass Transit Tunnel, which received $130 million in Recovery Act funds.

Keep up the good work, Ohio

Yesterday I wrote about how the stimulus has helped Sloan Construction grow its business down in Duncan, South Carolina. Today, I opened up the paper and saw even more good news about our economic recovery out of Ohio.

The AP's Matt Leingang reports this morning that:

"President Barack Obama's $787 billion economic stimulus package for the nation meant 1,138 highway construction jobs created or continued in Ohio in July, the first full month that figures were available to the state."

That’s exactly what the Recovery Act was intended to do – rebuild America, put people back to work and get our economy moving again.

Governor Strickland has done a terrific job of getting money out the door and putting people back to work in Ohio. Already, $578.7 million in Recovery Act money has been made available for more than 228 transportation projects in the Buckeye State.

All around the country we’re seeing signs of an economic recovery. On Monday, Senator Specter and I broke ground on a Recovery Act project in Elizabethtown, PA. Yesterday brought news that Sloan Construction in Duncan, South Carolina, would be opening a new plant to keep pace with its new construction work. And today has brought great news about job creation in Ohio.

The DOT is committed to keeping this stimulus momentum going. Every day we’re working hard to get our economy back on track now by creating jobs in communities across America, while building the infrastructure needed to support a 21st century economy.

Stimulus ripples outward, generates road construction support jobs

I've written more than once on these pages about the job-creation ripples the Obama Administration anticipates from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. With its decision to build an aggregate mining facility to produce road construction materials, Sloan Construction of Duncan, South Carolina, provides a perfect example of ARRA's stimulus effect.

As WSPA7 reports, Sloan expects to break ground on the $15 million plant this fall, with operation to begin by early next year. The Sloan expansion will provide 40 new jobs in Cherokee County, South Carolina, where the unemployment rate was 17.6% in June.

According to the Associated General Contractors of America:

"Certainly one of the reasons Sloan has decided to build the plant is because they see road paving as a steady source of income--thanks this year and next to the stimulus."

And it's not just the jobs Sloan's new plant will create; those new employees will have money in their pockets as well, and they will likely spend some of it in Cherokee County businesses.

When we suggested that ARRA money would create indirect jobs in transportation infrastructure, this is what we had in mind.

This is stimulus.

Cash for Clunkers ends a successful run

Our wildly popular CARS program came to a close last night. I never imagined that in the first four days we’d put a quarter million new fuel-efficient cars on the road. But when the vouchers came pouring in, it was clear that CARS was generating incredible economic activity all across America and we had to keep the program alive.

Thanks to additional funds from Congress, CARS has now taken nearly 700,000 clunkers off the roads and replaced them with more fuel-efficient vehicles. It has stimulated the economy, generated jobs and helped consumers dump their gas-guzzlers. And, it’s taken toxic greenhouse gases out of the air to improve the environment.

Cleveland Plain Dealer: 'Cash for Clunkers' proves a smart stimulus
Bloomberg News: ‘Cash for Clunkers’ Yielded Almost 700,000 Sales

CARS’ economic success has been some of the most heartening news. Both Ford and General Motors have announced production increases for their third and fourth quarters due to heightened demand for fuel-efficient vehicles. Honda is also increasing production at its U.S. plants in East Liberty and Marysville, Ohio and in Lincoln, Alabama.

The program has been a lifeline to auto manufacturers and dealers to be sure. But it’s also had a visible ripple effect through communities and related industries. Because of CARS, scrapyards are selling clunker waterpumps, batteries and other parts. Credit unions and banks are processing thousands of car loans. Repairmen, mechanics and sales staff are picking up additional work. CARS has truly been a winning deal for everyone. 

The verdict is in: CARS has been a bright spot in tough economic times.

Guest blogger: Federal Highway Administrator Victor Mendez introduces readers to the FHWA

I've only been Administrator of the Federal Highway Administration for less than two months and I've already been invited to blog? This truly IS the Fast Lane!

First, I have to say I am very thankful to President Obama and Secretary LaHood for their faith in choosing me to lead the FHWA. I've spent most of my career in transportation and am honored to be a part of it during the most exciting time in the history of American highways.

We haven't seen this kind of presidential interest in America's highway system since the Eisenhower Administration. With both President Obama and Vice President Biden helping Secretary LaHood reinvigorate the economy with the $27 billion available for roads and bridges in the Recovery Act, highways are getting some of the attention they need.

Though America's highway network is serving more drivers now than at any other time, our roads are the safest they've ever been. Some credit must go to the auto industry, which has made great advances in automotive safety, but road design and safety hardware are equally responsible. Better use of guardrails and cable median barriers and more subtle improvements like brighter signs and pavement markings also contribute to a safer roadway. FHWA will continue to make safety our top priority.
 
However, our highway system faces numerous challenges. While the Highway Trust Fund--a key part of state highway funding--received an infusion of $7 billion to ensure solvency into the next fiscal year, we must find a long-term solution. This was, after all, the second year in a row it fell billions of dollars short. In addition, with the end of SAFETEA-LU only weeks away, I will help Secretary LaHood work with Congress to pass an 18-month extension this year and devote ourselves over the coming year to work on solutions for our long-term transportation needs.

In the months ahead, I will work to continue improving the relationship between infrastructure and community needs - specifically to improve a community's "livability" - to enhance the environmental sensitivity of roads and bridges and to help states explore multi-modal transportation options.

There is much work ahead of us, but I look forward to it. Our mission is to bring you the highway system you deserve, and I welcome the challenge!

Recovery Act pulls into Elizabethtown station

Yesterday, I traveled up and down Eastern Pennsylvania with my good friend Sen. Arlen Specter, to talk transportation with local community leaders. At each stop along the way – from Norristown to Elizabethtown, to Harrisburg and Allentown – the top issue on everyone’s agenda was getting Recovery Act dollars back into Pennsylvania’s economy as quickly as possible. Thanks to the leadership of Pennsylvania’s elected officials, we’ve been able to do just that and get people to work on projects in record time.

In fact, yesterday Sen. Specter and I broke ground on one of these projects – a $9.3 million dollar Recovery Act-funded renovation of the Elizabethtown Amtrak station. The turn-of-the-century rail station in Elizabethtown is a beautiful old stone structure, that after years of neglect needs critical facility upgrades to keep up with the growing rail commuter population. In the last five years alone, ridership at the Elizabethtown Amtrak station has grown 93 percent, but the station has lacked the money to build adequate parking or even functioning bathroom facilities.

Thanks to Recovery Act dollars, however, the Elizabethtown station is set to receive these long-overdue upgrades -- like additional parking, bathroom facilities, and a major platform expansion. And because Lobar, Inc., the prime contractor on the Elizabethtown project, won with a low bid 11 percent below initial estimates, PennDOT will be able to use the cost-savings on a greener method for surfacing the facility’s additional parking space.

Local rail patrons are fired up about the renovations that will make commuting and traveling the region easier, more comfortable and more convenient. One area resident, Franklin Shearer, even came to the groundbreaking just to share how thrilled he was about the station upgrades: “My wife and I travel 20,000 miles a year on Amtrak. All of our travel begins and ends right here. We compliment you for this project. Thank you for making it happen."

Senator Specter and I have seen first-hand that the Recovery Act is generating thousands of good jobs on projects like this in Pennsylvania, while upgrading and modernizing public transportation for the benefit of working people. Here, the Elizabethtown rail station will get a much-needed make-over so it can continue to meet the demands of travelers who depend on Amtrak. And at the same time, it will have a ripple effect on the local economy, starting with the 200 workers Lobar estimates will work on the project over its lifetime.

In Elizabethtown and around the country, the Recovery Act is working as intended: It’s putting people to work right now, while making critical investments in our national transportation system that will help grow our economy over the long-term.

Together, we can implement aviation safety improvements far more quickly and effectively

While in St. Louis on Friday to address the Regional Business Council and talk with editors at the Post-Dispatch, I greeted attendees at an aviation safety forum convened by Federal Aviation Administrator Randy Babbitt.

This was the tenth session conducted since Randy and I issued a call to action in June, the tenth time we have brought the FAA, the carriers, and the unions together to have candid, meaningful discussions about the safety challenges we're facing. I’m very pleased with the quality of these discussions so far. We’ve listened-–and we’ve learned. We’ve heard a lot of good ideas about improving professional standards and flight discipline.

And I’m confident that these meetings will produce constructive, results-oriented policies and practices that the industry can implement in a timely manner.

Here are three items on our agenda:

1. Pilot fatigue: A committee of FAA, industry, and labor folks working on this issue have until the end of August to come up with a proposed rule describing new flight time and rest rules reflecting the best available science;
2. Pilot training: We want to see a greater use of cockpit simulation technology and closer supervision, among other changes; and
3. Pilot performance: We’re asking airlines to track pilots with performance problems and offer them additional training.

Companies that fail to comply with the voluntary measures we implement can count on greater FAA scrutiny.

In addition, Congress has proposed three key legislative provisions in the FAA reauthorization bill that will affect safety culture and operations:

1. A requirement that air carriers more thoroughly examine FAA pilot records before hiring.
2. Major carriers would be required to analyze the safety information contained in flight data recorders on individual aircraft.
3. Pilots would be required to disclose safety problems as part of their Aviation Safety Action Program.

Now, these are all programs we've already asked companies to comply with voluntarily, so companies on board with FAA have had an opportunity to make the investments and changes necessary to meet these potential mandates.

I have said before that DOT has no greater obligation than to ensure safety.

But participants in these call-to-action sessions understand that this important obligation clearly extends to the entire aviation community. As Administrator Babbitt told the Senate in June, "This is a business where one mistake is one too many."

The flying public is counting on us to keep them safe. We must not let them down.

Missouri has done a terrific job: Recovery Act funds good transportation projects, good jobs across the state

In St. Louis today, I told the Regional Business Council that Missouri has done a terrific job of using recovery funds to invest in good transportation projects across its cities, suburbs, and rural communities. And I congratulated Governor Jay Nixon, state Transportation Director Pete Rahn, and St. Louis Mayor Francis Slay for recognizing the economic opportunities offered by this landmark legislation.

Many may not know this, but the first American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) project in Missouri apparently broke ground as soon as President Obama signed the Act into law.

Since that historic day, we at DOT have made available over $570 million in transportation-related ARRA money for hundreds and hundreds of projects in Missouri. And the Show-Me State has already committed more than 70% of its total recovery highway funds. In fact, Missouri ranks 5th in the nation in terms of highway stimulus funds spent so far.

And these efforts are really making a difference to the folks who live and work in Missouri. For example, there’s a highway project in St. Louis funded by the Recovery Act, to fix up Memorial Drive down by the Arch. This $5 million project is going to make this stretch of road safer for pedestrians and much smoother for drivers. It's not the biggest stimulus project on the books, but this one project is responsible for preventing layoffs and for rehiring workers who were laid off.

Preliminary investigation: ExpressJet crew not at fault in extended tarmac delay

The DOT has concluded the preliminary phase of our investigation into the August 8 tarmac delay by Continental Airlines on a flight operated by ExpressJet Airlines. As you may recall, passengers were stuck in a plane on the ground in Rochester, Minnesota for almost six hours. We have determined that the ExpressJet crew was not at fault.

In fact, the flight crew repeatedly tried to get permission to deplane the passengers at the airport or on a bus.

Now, like many of you, I was outraged when I heard about this incident. And, like many of you, I've read a lot of conflicting stories about what happened that night--and I can appreciate any confusion readers may have. So, here is what our investigation found.

• The local representative of Mesaba Airlines--the only carrier in a position to help the stranded plane--improperly refused the requests of the ExpressJet captain to let her passengers off the plane, telling the captain that the airport was closed to passengers for security reasons.

This is what led to the nightmare for those stuck on the plane.

The Mesaba rep said this apparently because there was no one from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) available to screen passengers. But, in fact, TSA procedures allow passengers to get off the plane, enter the terminal and re-board without being screened again as long as they remain in a secure area.

• While the crew of the Continental Express flight did what they could to assist passengers, more senior personnel within Continental or ExpressJet should have become involved in an effort to obtain permission to take the passengers off the plane.

You know, learning more about the facts of this incident hasn't done a whole lot to temper my anger at the way those passengers were treated. I mean, there was really a complete lack of common sense here. It’s no wonder the flying public is so frustrated.

CARS: This program has worked, but it's winding down

CARS, the Car Allowance Rebate System, is the economy's best story in six months, and we at DOT are thrilled to be a part of it. It has been a lifeline for the automobile industry and wildly popular with consumers--it has been good news. In fact, it has been such good news that we will soon use up the money available for this. That's why we will wind down the CARS program this Monday at 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.

              

In the first 4 days of the program, CARS racked up over 250,000 new car sales.  Altogether, dealers have submitted reimbursement requests for more than $1.9 billion, representing over 457,000 transactions. By any measure, those figures indicate success.

Both Ford and GM have announced they are stepping up production to meet the new demand this Administration has stimulated. Ford is adding shifts to what was supposed to be a shutdown week; GM is calling back over 1300 employees. Can you imagine? In this economy, an automobile manufacturer is calling back its workers. And a recent forecast for the economy's 3rd quarter by IHS Global Insight anticipates growth of 2.5%, almost all of it due to our CARS program. We have helped jump-start the economy.

Now, thanks to this success, it's time to bring the program to a close. Because we expect to use up the remainder of the $3 billion Congress set aside by the end of this weekend, the CARS program will end this Monday at 8:00 p.m.

As I said, we are thrilled to be a part of this economic good news story. And I want to thank the dealers for participating, the auto companies for taking steps to meet demand, and consumers for responding so heartily. Finally, I want to thank the CARS team at NHTSA for helping make this such a success. Thanks to them, this program has worked.

NHTSA, MADD unveil 6th annual pre-Labor Day "Over the Limit. Under Arrest." enforcement campaign

Safety is always DOT's first priority. This morning, joined by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) President Laura Dean-Mooney and Fairfax County Police Captain Susan Culin, I was proud to help kick-off the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and MADD 6th annual end-of-summer enforcement campaign against impaired driving, "Drunk Driving: Over the Limit, Under Arrest."

The message has to get out: Impaired driving is a crime, and it will not be tolerated.

These drivers are really "a common threat," as Captain Culin said today--to drivers, to passengers, to bystanders, and to the loving survivors left behind by the nearly 12,000 fatalities each year caused by impaired drivers.

Now, impaired driving is an issue that cuts across all segments of society but, sadly, as Laura Dean-Mooney and I noted today, the number of arrests of women driving under the influence is on the rise.

As we head into the last weeks of summer and Labor Day weekend, millions of American families will hop in their cars and head off to the beach, the lake, the mountains, the park, and elsewhere for some
late-summer fun. Wherever your vacation plans take you, we want you to arrive safely.

But, to hear that impaired driving caused 40% of all fatal crashes last Labor Day weekend--it's very, very disturbing. So, we’re putting all drivers on notice that between August 21st and September 7th, our annual late-summer enforcement crackdown on impaired drivers will be in full force.

All around the country, 11,000 police departments and other law enforcement agencies will redouble their efforts to ensure that impaired drivers are detected and arrested during this high-risk travel season.

This is the sixth year in a row that the National Highway Safety Traffic Administration has worked with state and local law enforcement agencies and MADD to spread the message around Labor Day that if you’re “over the limit, you’re under arrest.”

This is a matter of life and death. We take it very seriously. And we’re very grateful to the law enforcement community and MADD for their support and hard work over the years.

So, please: Drive safely. Stay sober behind the wheel. And enjoy the last weeks of summer with your loved ones.

Recovery Act creating transportation jobs; June data indicates progress

The Obama Administration reasoned that an infusion of federal spending on shovel-ready transportation projects would help create jobs while providing needed upgrades to our transportation infrastructure. I'm pleased to report that the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) is doing just that.

For June, with the summer construction season just heating up, grant recipients reported that transportation stimulus spending directly resulted in nearly 15,000 jobs. This was almost triple the number for May.

• For road, bridge, and highway projects, our grants resulted in more than 8,600 direct jobs.
• For transit projects, recovery dollars resulted in an estimated 4,400 jobs.
• Airport improvement projects created almost 1,700 direct jobs.

Please stay tuned--we'll be reporting the July data next month, and we expect to see another sharp increase in jobs.

And there are more stimulus awards coming this fall with $8 billion available to jump start high speed passenger rail in America.

Plus, in the coming months, DOT's discretionary TIGER grants will provide another $1.5 billion for multi-modal projects that will create jobs in economically distressed areas.

All in all, the signs are clear: DOT stimulus funds are generating needed jobs and rebuilding America's infrastructure.

Volpe Center program fulfills mission: "Track every piece of metal and share it with the world"

Yesterday, I visited DOT's Volpe National Transportation Systems Center in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The Volpe Center, operated by DOT's Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA), is internationally recognized for its expertise; through research and development, engineering, and analysis, the Center helps lead transportation into the 21st century. It is a catalyst for innovation.

At Volpe, I saw a lot of different programs; one look at the "What's New" section of their website, and I think you'll see what a dynamic place it is.

One program that particularly captured my interest is the Global Maritime Domain Awareness Program, winner of a 2008 Innovations in American Government Award from Harvard University. Simply, the Global Maritime Domain Awareness Program tracks maritime vessels around the world and shares the tracking information with all participating nations. This enhances safety, security, and economic stability on the global seas.

Great leadership in New Jersey--people who know how to do it right

On Friday, I rode Amtrak to the Metropark Station in Iselin, New Jersey, where I was pleased to present $298,703,208 in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act grants to NJ Transit. Joining me were NJ Governor Jon Corzine and both of New Jersey's Senators, Frank Lautenberg and Bob Menendez. It was a good day for me, a good day for the state of New Jersey, and a good day for creating more jobs in America.

A good day for me because I had a chance to let the people of New Jersey know what dedicated advocates they have in their elected leadership. Governor Corzine has been working tirelessly to secure funding for transportation projects. Senator Lautenberg is a man I respect as both a leader and a friend. And Senator Menendez is well-known as a long-time champion of his constituents. All three are leaders who know how to do it right.

Town hall at FAA's Tech Center, core facility for modernizing air-traffic control, enhancing aviation safety

The Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) William J. Hughes Technical Center is the nation’s leading Federal Laboratory for the research, development, test and evaluation of air transportation systems. Yesterday, I toured the facility and met with several hundred of its 3000 employees and contractors. Glad to report that the future of our air traffic systems is in excellent hands.

Joining me on the visit were Rep. Frank LoBiondo, FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt, and Center Director Dr. Wilson Felder. I think it's pretty clear I hold Administrator Babbitt in very high regard. And I know from the quality of the Tech Center's pioneering work and from yesterday's meetings that Dr. Felder is both an effective leader and a relentless advocate for enhancing aviation safety technology.

But, I also want to point out that I have known Congressman LoBiondo for many years. In fact, we've been friends since January 3, 1995, the day we were both sworn into the House of Representatives. And Frank  has been an outstanding champion of the tech center and its employees since that day. Really, there is no one better.

During the town hall session, I thanked Tech Center personnel for their service and commitment to quality work in aviation data and safety technology. It's the kind of service that goes under-recognized, but it's their work that allows us to have as many as 7000 aircraft in the sky at any one time. As we begin to implement NextGen air-traffic technology, I hope Americans will appreciate the benefits of their fine work.

I also talked about Judy Lam, a leader in establishing DOT's Disability Resource Center and a career FAA employee  who recently retired after 30 years of service. My message was simple: follow her example of leadership.

Someone at the session asked if I'd been upset by the nearby Phillies' recent sweep of the Chicago Cubs. To that point, I have no direct comment. BUT, it just so happens my office overlooks the beautiful new stadium of the Washington Nationals, and my dominant memory of this baseball season thus far is the Cubbies' 4-game demolition of the Nats. (For the record, I'm really more of a football and basketball fan--go Bears!)

All in all, I can't say enough good things about the Tech Center. Thanks, Director Wilson and everyone, for the hospitality; you and your team really deliver the goods.

FAA Tech Center in-sourcing saves between $52 and$203 million in data system costs

Yesterday, I had an eye-opening visit to the FAA's William J. Hughes Technical Center in Atlantic City, NJ. I'll have more later today on the town hall session I had with FAA employees. But right now, I'm excited to tell readers about a recently completed project by an FAA Air Traffic Organization team that saved American taxpayers anywhere from $52 million to $203 million on a new data sharing system. This is a great example of motivated and talented civil servants delivering extraordinary value.

Previously, the FAA used a National Airspace Data Interchange Network (NADIN) to exchange critical information like flight plan data, oceanic position reports, weather forecasts and observations, Notices to Airmen, and flight safety-related message traffic. 

Customers of this network include: FAA National Airspace System, Department of Interior, National Weather Service, Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, commercial airlines, the general aviation community, and airline data service providers.  The network is a significant part of the global International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Aeronautical Fixed Telecommunications Network of 245 communications centers in 189 countries and 26 international AFTN communication centers around the world.

As you can imagine, a lot rides on the smooth exchange of this information.

Estimates from outside contractors to replace the system ranged from $90-$240 million over a 10-year service life. The decision to in-source the effort was based on best cost, technical approach and least risk.

The AJW-17 team, led by Andy Isaksen, replaced the system for just over $10 million, with an estimated 10-year service life cost of $38 million.  This in-sourcing effort to create the new NADIN Message Switch Rehost (NMR) resulted in a cost savings to the FAA between $52 and $203 million.

CARS stimulates automaker production lines

Only a couple of weeks after we unveiled the Obama Administration's CARS rebate program and the Congress extended its benefits, a stimulus effect is becoming apparent.

Today, for example, Ford announced it:

"is increasing North American production by another 10,000 units to 495,000 units in the third quarter as it builds more fuel-efficient vehicles to meet “Cash for Clunkers” demand.  Ford’s planned third quarter production now exceeds year-ago production levels by 18 percent."

As today's Detroit News indicates, workers at Ford's plant in Wayne, Michigan, have been advised their shifts--and their income--will be increasing. Ford workers suggest that production line speed also has been ramped up.

Ford also announced it will be stepping up 4th quarter production as well--to levels 33% higher than last year.

Even better news is that one of two vehicles whose production Ford is accelerating to market is its fuel-efficient Focus, one of the CARS program's top sellers. That's good news for all of us.

Across the country, dealers and drivers alike have been praising the CARS program; seeing evidence of its stimulus effect in automobile manufacturing is one more reason to say that--on this one--government works.

As always, please remember to check the rules for the CARS program at www.cars.gov; you can check fuel-efficiency and carbon footprint information on vehicles at the EPA's www.fuelconomy.gov.

Federal Highway Administrator Mendez helps break ground on North Carolina's innovative Triangle Expressway

Every once in a while, I have to let the other DOT leaders in on some of the fun. So, yesterday, Federal Highway Administrator Victor Mendez traveled to North Carolina to take part in a groundbreaking ceremony for that state's Triangle Expressway. He was joined by US Rep. David Price, NCDOT Secretary Gene Conti, and Turnpike Authority Executive Director David Joyner.

The Triangle Expressway (TriEX) is a controlled-access 18.8-mile toll road from Research Triangle Park to Holly Springs designed to save commuters about 20 minutes per trip. But it's not just another highway.

This project will be designed and built to use an all-electronic toll collection system. There will be no toll booths and no stopping to pay tolls.  Customers purchase a transponder that automatically charges for road use.  If you don't have a transponder, overhead high-speed cameras can snap an image of your license plate and drivers will be billed according to the number of miles driven. 

While Triangle Expressway toll rates have not been set, similar toll facilities around the country charge tolls in the range of 10 to 20 cents per mile.

Distracted driving summit garners strong support

Last week, I announced that DOT would convene a summit in late September on distracted driving. Well, I must have touched a nerve, because the response has been enthusiastic and overwhelmingly supportive.

And now that we're getting toward back-to-school time, children all over the country will soon return to our roadways and sidewalks and crosswalks. So, it seems more important than ever to share with you the scope of the response to the upcoming summit and the message that distracted driving is just too dangerous.

Below is a news segment from WTHI in Indiana about one local program trying to raise awareness of this important message.

Everywhere I've gone since the announcement, people have been telling me the distracted driving horror stories they've witnessed or been victims of. And I mean everywhere. Everywhere I look, I read of an organization or a news editor echoing my call to end this dangerous practice.

Something powerful is going on: Americans are waking up to the danger we risk when we turn our attention from the road for even a moment.

Suddenly, everyone--Automakers, safety advocates, motorists' associations, insurance companies, school officials, trucking industry groups, lawyers for victims, lawyers for drivers, parents of victims, children of victims, law enforcement agencies; newspapers, websites, bloggers, tweeters, newsletters, television networks--is saying the same thing: distracted driving needs to stop.

Folks, I don't know what's going to come from the summit--I only know that too many people are being injured or killed by something that is completely within our own ability to stop. And I look forward to  reporting back from the summit on this page next month.

In the meantime, please remember:

Letting your concentration drift, for any reason, while driving, endangers your life and the lives of others.

So, as our children head back to their schoolday routines, I ask you--as Secretary of Transportation, yes, but also as the grandfather of nine wonderful kids--please, let's keep our eyes and our minds on the road.

Outrage on tarmac delays--you want to know, DOT wants to know

What does it mean that an article from over the weekend on a nightmare flight delay is yesterday's "Most Viewed" news item in the Minneapolis Star-Tribune? I think it means that reasonable people are outraged at the idea of being stuck on a small plane for seven hours. I think it means that flyers and those who are considering flying want to know that should a delay occur, they will be treated respectfully.

That is why we have sent a letter to Continental Airlines inquiring into the circumstances of its recent Continental/Express Jet flight 2816 extended delay.

When I was in Congress, I did a lot of traveling to and from my district in Illinois, so I'm not unfamiliar with the experience of sitting on the tarmac, waiting--whether for clearance from the tower, further instructions from the airline, or simply some information from the crew. I know being stuck on a plane is no fun.

But I also know that delays happen for many reasons, most of which are beyond the airline's control.

That's why the letter to Continental  simply seeks answers to a few questions. Basically, we want to know what I think all of us want to know:

1. Why the flight was diverted to Rochester, Minnesota, in particular;
2. Which carrier, Continental or Express Jet, was responsible for the well-being of the passengers and, in particular, which carrier’s contingency plan was implemented during the tarmac delay;
3. Whether Continental/ExpressJet had in place at Rochester procedures regarding the deplaning of passengers on diverted flights at diversion airports without TSA presence and if not, why not;
4. Whether such procedures were implemented with respect to flight 2816 and if not, why not;
5. Why flight 2816 was forced to stay on the ground at Rochester for as long as it did; and
6. An explanation of the passenger’s treatment during the delay, including once they were inside the airport terminal.

The letter also asks Continental for similar information about other recent delays.

What will we do with the answers Continental provides?

Well, last year at the recommendation of the DOT Office of Inspector General,  we  established the National Task Force to Develop Model Contingency Plans to Deal with Lengthy Airline On-Board Ground Delays. The model plans suggest what steps airlines and airports may take to alleviate passenger discomfort, but the Task Force could not require any action by airlines. 

However, DOT has a rulemaking in progress that proposes to require airlines to take certain steps to deal with lengthy tarmac delays, including establishing contingency plans that meet basic passenger needs during a lengthy tarmac delay.  Some have proposed that DOT go further and set a time limit for carriers to deplane passengers.  While I can't comment on the merits of the proposed rule yet, we will use the information Continental provides to help us reach a decision about what direction to go in that rulemaking.

Whatever shape any rule might take, I want readers to know that DOT is trying to help reduce the discomfort--and the resentment--that can turn a lengthy delay into a nightmare.

CARS program replenished and ready to drive sales, jobs, fuel-efficiency

Shortly after I wrote last week's blog post on the success of the Administration's CARS program, President Obama signed a $2 billion addition to the program passed by the House and Senate. Now, even more consumers can use this rebate program to lower their fuel consumption.

Signing the bill, the President said:

"The program has proven to be a successful part of our economic recovery and will help lessen our dangerous dependence on foreign oil, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving the quality of the air we breathe."

And, in working for the extension, Michigan Senator Debbie Stabenow said:

"The reality is this is a program that has been working. Consumers believe it's working. Small-business people believe it's working. People who make steel and aluminum, and advertisers … and everyone who's involved in the larger economic impact of the auto industry believe it is working."

But it's not just political leaders; folks from outside the world of politics seem to agree as well. Analysts from Credit Suisse found that “the program for auto sales has been a dramatic success and could drive auto sales and production sharply higher in the coming months.”

And technology entrepreneur Jack Hidary writes on CNN that the CARS program:

"is helping consumers move beyond these hard times and has reignited a whole industry, saving jobs up and down the auto supply chain from dealers to assembly workers and parts makers."

Now that's exactly the kind of stimulus the Administration had in mind for CARS. Dealers avoiding layoffs. Parts makers adding shifts. And scrap yards working around the clock to recycle gas guzzlers.

And all of this is happening, as President Obama noted, while drivers trade up in fuel economy, saving millions of gallons of gas and their associated tons of greenhouse gases.

Even some skeptics of the program have been pleasantly surprised; environmental advocate Joseph Romm writes on Grist that, "as a stimulus that saves oil while cutting CO2 for free - it has turned out to be a slam dunk, far better than I had expected."

Well, I wasn't a skeptic, but even I am surprised by the enthusiasm--and benefits--CARS has generated.

So, I want to thank the Congress for passing the extension; the President for signing it into law; the folks administering the CARS program over at www.cars.gov for keeping CARS operating smoothly; and everyone around the country from drivers to dealers to tow truck operators and scrap yard folks for making this such an effective example of what this country can do when we work together.

Dep. Sec. Porcari: ARRA energy investments are economically critical

On Wednesday, I had the pleasure of visiting East Penn Manufacturing Company, a third-generation family business with over 63 years in battery manufacturing.

My visit reminded me what makes this country great: It’s the ability to manufacture top-quality, innovative products that give American companies a competitive edge to help them grow and thrive.

That’s why I was honored to deliver the news to its employees that the Department of Energy is awarding $32.5 million to East Penn through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

The Obama Administration is going to help this company, and many others, play a key role in meeting our transportation and energy goals for the 21st century.

The announcement is part of a ground-breaking 2.4 billion-dollar effort to help U.S.-based manufacturers make and test thousands of hybrid and electric vehicles along with the batteries, chargers, and other components needed to operate them.

This is the single largest investment ever made in advanced battery technology projects for hybrid and electric-drive vehicles. It will help achieve the goal of putting one million plug-in hybrid vehicles on the road by 2015.

It’s time for America to lead the world in clean technology manufacturing – the growth industry for the 21st Century. 

To achieve this reality, we’re investing in both small, innovative companies in rural towns like Lyon Station, and large factories in Michigan and Indiana. 

With the help of companies like East Penn, we will be able to build vehicles that achieve – and even exceed -- the new fuel-efficiency standard of 35.5 miles per gallon that we’ve set for cars and light trucks by 2016. This is an investment in the future of manufacturing, and the future of clean, green transportation in the United States.

The Department of Transportation is going to do its part too.  We will develop new safety standards for the new generation of vehicles, paving the way for safe, effective plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles.

Without question, this is a transformational moment for the transportation industry – and for the auto industry in particular. If we’re serious about tapping into clean, alternative sources of energy to power our cars, trucks, and other vehicles, then we’ve got to invest in the technology, the training, and the manufacturing base to make that happen.

Working together, we’re going to set the pace for America’s economic recovery and our environmental future.   And we’re going to build the safe, efficient, and sustainable transportation systems that we all need and deserve.

CARS success continues

Since I unveiled the CARS program last week, over $700 million has already gone out the door. As a result, today almost 200,000 new fuel-efficient automobiles averaging 25 miles per gallon are on the road instead of gas-guzzling trucks and SUVs. At the same time, our CARS trade-in program has been a lifeline to the American auto industry by boosting the manufacturers, keeping dealerships in business, saving the workers’ jobs, and helping Americans buy cars.

There’s no doubt in my mind that this program has been a wild success, but you don’t have to take it from me. Here’s what the news is saying about CARS across the country:

Columbus Dispatch, 'Clunkers' give auto sales needed jolt: "Cash for Clunkers" is beginning to seem like the defibrillator that jolted the auto industry back to life.”

Los Angeles Times, More Cash For Clunkers: “The program is boosting economic activity at a time when consumer confidence has been slipping again, threatening to slow the economy's nascent recovery.”

Houston Chronicle, ‘Cash for clunkers' giving a jump-start to economy:
“Cash for clunkers could be the least glamorous stimulus program ever devised — and among the best designed. It is temporary (lasts until Nov. 1 or when the money is gone), targeted (helps Detroit and, with it, the industrial heartland) and timely (the stampede to the showrooms was immediate). Extra bonus: By helping people trade gas guzzlers in for more fuel-efficient vehicles, the program helps the environment.”

Detroit News, Dealers, drivers, makers cashing in on clunkers: “The Obama administration said the "cash for clunkers" program has been an enormous success, boosting domestic automakers as momentum gains to persuade the Senate to approve $2 billion in additional funding.”

Philadelphia Inquirer, Keep It Rolling: “Cash for Clunkers has worked so well that the government burned through $1 billion from the federal stimulus act designated for the program in just the first week. The money had been expected to last as long as Nov. 1.”

Baltimore Sun, More Cash For Clunkers:
“By contrast, 100 percent of the cash for clunkers money is going directly into the economy, and that's not its only benefit. It supports an industry that we've already invested billions in; it improves the environment by getting inefficient cars off the road (the clunkers must be sold for scrap, with their engines and transmissions rendered inoperable); it helps consumers' long-term finances by getting them into cars that will cost them less for gas; and it does all of that almost immediately with little bureaucracy.”

Newsday: Let's extend cash-for-clunkers: “The holy grail of economic stimulus is to quickly get money into the hands of people who will immediately spend it. Judged by that standard, cash-for-clunkers is a runaway success.”

Judy Gayle Lam: An inspiration to the DOT

Yesterday afternoon, I had the honor of meeting one of the DOT’s most valuable, pioneering, and longest-serving employees: Judy Gayle Lam. While Judy has decided to retire after 30 years of service, she will continue to be a source of inspiration for myself and the entire Department.

In 1979, Judy became the first deaf person ever hired by the DOT. She faced enormous challenges in the days before ADA became law, and through her perseverance, hard work and patience, she not only succeeded, but paved the way for others. Over her 30-year career, Judy rose from an entry-level position in the FAA forms office to become the FAA Forms Officer for the IT Business Enterprise Service, where she has overseen the design and procedures for all agency forms. That’s an important job for an agency that requires as many applications, certifications, and registrations as the DOT.

While Judy faced her share of unique obstacles working her way to the top, she always knew she was blazing an important trail for others. So, when the Department asked for her help establishing a Disability Resource Center where employees could go to request help and services, Judy took on the responsibility wholeheartedly. Through her work for the DRC, Judy has helped and improved services for countless colleagues and is responsible for making the DOT’s website accessible to those with handicaps.

Outside the DRC, Judy made an effort to educate others by teaching sign language to colleagues in her office. Her coworkers fondly describe her has one of the most patient, generous, and diligent people they’ve worked with. It is therefore no surprise that Judy has been recognized over her career with 7 Superior Contribution Awards.

But these aren’t the only things I admire about Judy. In addition to her incredible service to the Department, to her colleagues, and to the public, Judy is a fellow Illinoisian! She shares my fondness for President Abraham Lincoln, and will proudly tell you that she can trace her family’s roots all the way back to his hometown. In fact, it was President Lincoln who signed the original charter for Gallaudet University, where Judy met her husband, Beng, in college and where I  served on the Board of Trustees while in Congress.

On behalf of myself and the entire Department of Transportation, I would like to commend Judy for her years of dedication, service, and achievement, and offer our best wishes for retirement.

Distracted driving is dangerous driving

When I was home in Peoria a few weeks ago, Alyssa Burns, a 17-year-old high school student was killed when she drove off the road.

It turns out she was texting while driving.

We’ve all seen the footage of the bus driver who was talking and texting on two cell phones while driving.

He smashed into the back of a car, injured the driver, and ended up driving into a swimming pool.

The horrific commuter train crash last year in California involved an operator who was too busy texting to pay attention to what he should have been doing. As a result, 25 people were killed and 135 were injured.

If it were up to me, I would ban drivers from texting.

But we’ve learned from our efforts to get people to wear seat belts and to persuade them not to drive drunk that laws aren’t always enough. Often, you need to combine education with enforcement to get results.

That’s why I announced this morning that I have decided to convene a summit of senior transportation officials, safety advocates, law enforcement representatives, members of Congress and academics who study these matters.

We will meet next month to discuss how to put an end to the rash of accidents and fatalities that have cropped up because of distracted driving.

When we are done, I expect to have a list of concrete steps to announce.

The bottom line is, we need to put an end to unsafe cell phone use, typing on blackberries and other activities that require drivers to take their eyes off the road and their focus away from driving.

I’ve said from the day I was confirmed as Secretary of Transportation that safety is our number 1 priority.

We all know texting while driving is dangerous – and I promise you we’re going to do something about it so that responsible drivers don’t have worry every time they, or a loved one, gets on the road.

DOT marks 6,000th Recovery Act highway project

This morning, I’m pleased to announce the DOT has passed yet another exciting Recovery Act milestone: the Department has now approved more than 6,000 highway projects across America – worth over $17.1 billion – for federal funding under ARRA .  

This week, a $44.5 million project to widen congested US 60, or Grand Avenue, in Phoenix, AZ became the 6,000th highway project funded by the Recovery Act. Grand Avenue is one of Phoenix’s busiest and most congested corridors, serving an estimated 45,000 vehicles every day. Thanks to stimulus dollars, this route will receive two new lanes and other significant improvements that will relieve traffic and help to reduce greenhouse gases in the area. Most importantly, the project will generate good-paying transportation jobs that will put people to work in Arizona. 

The Recovery Act has made an unprecedented $48.1 billion investment in our national transportation system in order to quickly create jobs and provide an economic shot in the arm to communities across the country. In the less than six months since ARRA was signed into law, the DOT has worked around the clock to get stimulus money out the door in record time. 

We have already obligated $22.7 billion – nearly one-half of the DOT’s total ARRA appropriation – to fund more than 6,800 approved projects in 53 U.S. States and Territories. Work is currently underway on more than 3,300 of those transportation projects, and with so many coming in under budget, states are discovering they can do more for less. It’s a win-win: more projects, more jobs, with fewer taxpayer dollars.

The DOT team is working hard to get ARRA dollars out the door quickly, and we continue to look for new ways to accelerate stimulus spending even further.  Last week I announced the establishment of a DOT review team to expedite the application process for our $1.5 billion TIGER (Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery) Discretionary Grants program . This review team will enable the Department to award the entire $1.5 billion in January 2010 – one full month ahead of the statutory deadline.  By awarding these TIGER grants ahead of schedule, we’ll be able to jump start major-impact projects and boost local economies across America even more quickly.

We’ve still got a ways to go to and a lot of hard work ahead to turn this economy around, but I know Americans are up to the challenge. From Phoenix to Portland to Kalamazoo, I’ve met people who want nothing more than to keep strapping on their work boots every day to support their families and communities. They have my commitment that the DOT will do everything possible to generate good jobs and speed the country’s economic recovery.