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ATSSA joins effort asking Congress to amend ARP to release relief funds
ATSSA joined the American Road & Transportation Builders Association ARTBA and 26 other groups asking leaders in the House and Senate to pass legislation that would amend the American Rescue Plan ARP. The groups sent a letter on Tuesday asking Speaker Nancy Pelosi, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell to act on legislation S. 3011 and H.R. 5735 that would give states and localities greater flexibility to use a larger portion of ARP funds needed for transportation projects. “The American Rescue Plan ARP provided states and localities with $350 billion in relief funds and $10 billion in capital improvement assistance at a time of critical need. The COVID-19 pandemic ripped a gaping hole in the budgets of many state and local governments, making this assistance crucial as the nation’s economic recovery continues,” the letter states. It goes on to explain that more than $100 billion remains unobligated and yet “the funds lack the flexibility necessary for states and localities to address ongoing transportation needs.” ATSSA joined the American Road & Transportation Builders Association ARTBA and 26 other groups asking leaders in the House and Senate to pass legislation that would amend the American Rescue Plan ARP. The groups sent a letter on Tuesday asking Speaker Nancy Pelosi, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell to act on legislation S. 3011 and H.R. 5735 that would give states and localities greater flexibility to use a larger portion of ARP funds needed for transportation projects. “The American Rescue Plan ARP provided states and localities with $350 billion in relief funds and $10 billion in capital improvement assistance at a time of critical need. The COVID-19 pandemic ripped a gaping hole in the budgets of many state and local governments, making this assistance crucial as the nation’s economic recovery continues,” the letter states. It goes on to explain that more than $100 billion remains unobligated and yet “the funds lack the flexibility necessary for states and localities to address ongoing transportation needs.” The legislation, which unanimously passed in the Senate and has 150 co-sponsors in the House, would “not increase costs to the federal government or the deficit and does not mandate state or local governments change their plans or priorities,” the letter notes. Congressional leaders are asked to add the legislation to the FY 2022 Omnibus Appropriations package. Following is the list of groups that signed the letter. American Road & Transportation Builders Association National League of Cities Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials American Public Transportation Association Associated General Contractors of America National Association of Development Organizations Associated Equipment Distributors American Subcontractors Association American Highway Users Alliance Government Finance Officers Association Design-Build Institute of America National Association of Surety Bond Producers National Stone, Sand and Gravel Association American Traffic Safety Services Association American Public Works Association American Concrete Pipe Association National Ready Mixed Concrete Association Institute of Makers of Explosives National Association of County Engineers American Concrete Pavement Association American Foundry Society National Association of Regional Councils Portland Cement Association American Council of Engineering Companies American Society of Civil Engineers Association of Equipment Manufacturers U.S. Chamber of Commerce
NSC estimates motor vehicle deaths increased 9% in 2021
The National Safety Council NSC estimates total motor vehicle deaths for 2021 increased 9% over 2020 and that mileage rebounded by 11% from the low numbers seen during 2020 at the peak of the COVID-19 lockdowns, according to a report released this morning. That projection is 3 points below last month’s traffic fatality projection released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration NHTSA and reported here. NHTSA’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System FARS provides statistical projections for traffic fatalities nationwide, looking at the first nine months of the year in its report that provides an early estimate of motor vehicle traffic fatalities. NSC estimates 46,020 motor vehicle deaths for all of 2021 compared to its 2020 estimate of 42,339 and its 2019 estimate of 39,107. The National Safety Council NSC estimates total motor vehicle deaths for 2021 increased 9% over 2020 and that mileage rebounded by 11% from the low numbers seen during 2020 at the peak of the COVID-19 lockdowns, according to a report released this morning. That projection is 3 points below last month’s traffic fatality projection released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration NHTSA and reported here. NHTSA’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System FARS provides statistical projections for traffic fatalities nationwide, looking at the first nine months of the year in this report that provides an early estimate of motor vehicle traffic fatalities. NHTSA projected traffic fatalities increased by 12% for the first nine months of 2021 compared to the same period for 2020, marking the biggest percentage increase in the history of the NHTSA fatality reporting process. NHTSA’s 12% increase is based on an estimated 31,720 people killed in motor vehicle crashes nationwide in the first nine months of 2021 compared to 28,325 killed in the first nine months of 2020. That is the highest number of fatalities for nine months since 2006. NSC estimates 46,020 motor vehicle deaths for all of 2021 compared to its 2020 estimate of 42,339 and its 2019 estimate of 39,107. The estimate from 2019 to 2021 is an 18% increase. NSC’s report includes additional data including age group comparisons, type of crash and crashes by time of day and day of the week. It also includes a comparison of the NSC and NHTSA estimates.
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