Federal Railroad Administrator Joseph C. Szabo today announced the award of $15 million to nine states for emergency repairs to damaged railroad infrastructure resulting from natural disasters.

Funding from the Federal Railroad Administration's (FRA) Railroad Rehabilitation and Repair Program (RRRP) will go to state Departments of Transportation to reimburse short line and regional railroads for the cost of repairs.

"Freight railroads are critical to local economies and we are committed to helping them restore rail service after a major disruption," said Szabo. “This funding will help the carriers defray repair costs and keep the trains running.”

Funds awarded under the RRRP can cover up to 80 percent of the total cost of a selected project, with the remainder to be provided from non-federal sources. Grants may be used to repair bridges, signals and other infrastructure which are part of the general rail transportation system. The grant recipients are as follows:

Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities

Under the Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act, 2009, FRA was authorized to make $20 million available for grants to repair and rehabilitate railroad infrastructure damaged in areas declared by the President as a major disaster.

The FRA intends to issue another solicitation for the remaining $5 million in funds through a Notice of Funding Availability to be published in the Federal Register that will be available on a competitive basis.

Over 50 million users have now visited the Department for Transport's pioneering travel information and journey planning service, Transport Direct.

For five years the website has provided travellers with a unique guide to virtually all domestic transport on land, sea and air by drawing information from over 40 different sources each week.

It offers users the chance to tailor a journey to their own needs, by combining the content of up to eight different websites in one and plotting their route from door-to-door.

Transport Minister Paul Clark said:

"This website is about allowing the public to find a route that suits them best.

"People can see where to find a GP, make sure they get to their job interview on time, or plan a night out with friends.

"The versatility of Transport Direct is matched only by the scale and precision of its travel information - 96 per cent of users say they'd use it again."

The site, launched in December 2004, now attracts more than 25 million users each year - over eight times as many as it did in its first year.

Transport Direct Chief Executive, Nick Illsley, said:

"It's a great resource for anyone who needs simple directions in hurry, and it helps people plot the quickest route to their destination.

"Transport Direct lets people plan more efficient journeys at times when the transport system is less busy, saving time and allowing for more comfortable trips."

Real time information on road and rail disruption allows travellers to avoid unnecessary delays to their journey while extensive maps show the locations of bus stops and train stations, and also suggest where traffic congestion may occur.

As more people take to the roads on their bikes, U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood asks both drivers and cyclists to help reduce the number of cyclist fatalities. In 2007, 698 cyclists were killed in America. Everyone needs to pay attention when using America's roads, whether they're walking, biking or driving, LaHood said.

More and more Americans are taking up cycling, including a dramatic increase in bicycling by baby boomers. Whether they're riding for fun, exercise, or to save on gas, more baby boomers are riding bicycles, according to the latest National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) statistics. Unfortunately, this aging trend can also be found in NHTSA's latest fatality statistics. For the tenth straight year, the average age of persons killed on bicycles has increased. Research shows that in 1997 the average age of a person killed in a bicycle crash was 31; in 2007 it increased to over 40.

"Our roads and communities must be built to allow people to get around safely outside of their cars, on bike or on foot," Secretary LaHood said. "These statistics show that our transportation program needs to have a much greater focus on making our roadways safe for bicyclists."

Since 1992, the Department’s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has provided more than $4.5 billion in federal aid for bicycle and pedestrian safety programs. The States have used Federal-aid funds to construct shared use paths for bicyclists and pedestrians, and to provide bicycle lanes and bicycle parking, and other highway safety features to reduce fatalities and to increase bicycle use. FHWA also actively promotes bicycle safety through Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center and the National Center for Safe Routes to School. These efforts balance FHWA's commitment to easing traffic congestion with keeping roads safe for all users.

"The most important thing bicyclists and motorists need to remember is that they both share the road equally," said NHTSA's Acting Deputy Administrator Ron Medford.

Recent data shows that the 698 bicyclist deaths in 2007 accounted for two percent of all traffic fatalities with an additional 44,000 injured in traffic crashes.

To avoid the risk of becoming a fatality, motorists and cyclists are urged to take extra precaution when driving and riding.

Motorists should:

Cyclists should:

TACOMA - Gov. Chris Gregoire today signed the $7.5 billion transportation budget for the 2009-2011 biennium, which includes the largest two-year construction budget ever for the Washington State Department of Transportation. Gregoire noted that Legislative budget writers estimate the projects approved in this bill are expected to support or create 49,000 jobs.

"This budget couldn't have come at a better time," Gregoire said. "Not only will it greatly improve our transportation system, the projects I'm signing off on will ensure regular employment for tens of thousands of Washingtonians. This is a huge win for the entire state of Washington. We're creating safer, more efficient ways of travel - while getting our economy back on track."

Gregoire signed the historic package in Tacoma, where - as a result of this budget - additional High-Occupancy-Vehicle lanes will be constructed on Interstate 5. In addition, the budget appropriates funding to make improvements to Pierce County's state Route 16 Nalley Valley Viaduct.

"I can't think of a more fitting location than Pierce County to sign this budget," Gregoire said. "Your Nalley Valley Viaduct project encompasses everything we set out do this past legislative session when it comes to transportation. It puts people to work, it reduces congestion, and it ensures our commerce moves quickly to keep our businesses thriving."

Highlights of the transportation package include:

• Funding for three 64-car ferries and a fourth, which will either be a 64-car or 144-car ferry;

• Funding for critical safety, freight, and mobility projects - including I-90/Snoqualmie Pass, I-405 and the North Spokane corridor;

• Consolidation of licensing services offices, creating cost savings and better customer service; and

• Increased highway patrols for DUI enforcement

In addition to the transportation budget bill, the Legislature also approved legislation to fund the replacement of the Alaskan Way Viaduct with a deep bored tunnel. Lawmakers also appropriated funding to replace the state Route 520 bridge.

"Every one of these projects benefits the entire state," Gregoire said. "By making Washington a safe place to commute, and a more efficient place to do business, we are staying competitive in the changing economy."

Gregoire recognized Senator Mary Margaret Haugen, (D-Camano Island), and Representative Judy Clibborn, (D-Mercer Island), who chaired the House and Senate Transportation committees, for their leadership in getting the transportation budget passed.

"This was a tough legislative session," said Haugen. "But this was the bright spot. This transportation budget achieves what we all set out to do. It improves our roads and bridges while ensuring jobs for thousands of Washingtonians."

"The transportation budget is the good news in an otherwise bad-news budget year," said Clibborn. "This record investment will create jobs and improve our infrastructure at the time we need it most."