New Congress Gets to Work (Sort of), Other Federal Government News

A Look Back, 112 Congress Passed Transportation Bills

For all of its heel dragging, the 112^th Congress managed to pass some infrastructure-relate bills.  On the transportation front, it passed the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21^st Century Act (MAP-21).  MAP-21 was primarily and extension of highway programs through the end of September 2014 with authorization for small funding increases.

EPA Administrator Stepping Down

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lisa Jackson announced that she plans to leave the post early this year (read her statement→).  Deputy Administrator Bob Perciasepe is expected to lead the agency, possibly indefinitely.

House Transportation & Infrastructure Chair Promises Active Committee

Rep. Bill Shuster (PA), newly appointed chairman of the House T&I committee, committed himself to passing important legislation and assuring the committee is active in oversight.  Legislation priorities include reauthorization of the Water Resources Development Act and surface transportation programs.  Oversight goals include implementation of reforms enacted in MAP-21.

Missouri Senator Calls for Decision of Levee Project

Sen. Claire McCaskill (MO) requested that the EPA and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service resolve their issues related to levee and drainage projects in southeast Missouri, particularly including the St. Johns Bayou levee.  These Corps of Engineer projects were halted because of concerns over fish and wildlife habitat.*

*As we have often disclosed, Infrastructure Watch is based in Missouri.