Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Act
The Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Act for FY 2011 (H.R. 5850) creates new jobs and boosts our economic recovery with investments in roads, bridges and homes. It will help Americans who have been hurt by the recession over the short-term, as well as strengthen our economy over the long-term by making key investments in improving our infrastructure.
The legislation addresses the challenges of keeping our transportation system safe, secure and up-to-date. To increase Americans' use of public transportation and help wean us off of our addiction to foreign oil, we invest in the next generation of high-speed passenger rail and new commuter rail and light rail systems.
To ensure that all Americans have access to housing and shelter as the economy regains strength, the bill increases funding for rental vouchers and housing assistance for some of the neediest Americans -- the disabled, the elderly, and homeless veterans. It funds the first year of the implementation of the HEARTH Act, which seeks to end homelessness in America. It also invests in measures to help families who are at risk of foreclosure stay in their homes and weather the mortgage crisis.
Overall, the bill is $500 million below the 2010 level and $1.3 billion below the President's budget. Investments in the bill will create more than 160,000 new jobs. For example, the bill's additional investment of more than $4 billion above 2010 for the Federal Highway Administration will create more than 142,000 new jobs in highway construction. Similarly, the bill's additional investment of $500 million above 2010 for public transit will create an estimated 20,000 new jobs.
In order to spur economic development in vacant urban commercial and industrial sites, the bill invests in grant programs that revitalize neighborhoods and turn deserted areas into commercial destinations. The legislation also encourages sustainable practices in local housing, transportation, and energy planning that will utilize dollars more effectively and create more livable communities for all.
