Sen. Brian Schatz Questions Transportation Secretary Duffy on Grant Review Timelines

Review of Paused Transportation Grants

• 📌 Senator Schatz is seeking clarity on the terminology used for "paused" grants, understanding that grants with awarded and obligated funds are not being frozen.
• 💡 Secretary Duffy clarifies that the process involves pausing for review and modifying grant agreements before obligation, rather than a freeze.
• ⚠️ Schatz expresses concern that some paused grants, like those for evacuation routes and hillside stabilization, appear unrelated to transportation.

Grant Review Throughput and Timeline

• 📊 Schatz inquires about the Department of Transportation's capacity to review and obligate approximately 3,200 grants, asking for metrics like "300 a week" and if completion is expected by June.
• ⏳ Secretary Duffy acknowledges the current pace is "not fast enough" and will take "multiple years" if unchanged, emphasizing ongoing efforts to dramatically speed up the process.
• 💰 The urgency is highlighted due to potential impoundment issues and the costs incurred by state and local transportation departments for project preparation.

"Dewokifying" Grant Criteria and Bike Infrastructure

• 🛠️ Schatz discusses "dewokifying" grant criteria, aiming to remove extraneous language and expedite funds, particularly those nearing expiration.
• 🚲 A specific concern is raised about bike infrastructure projects being scrutinized as a "climate priority," leading to partisan opposition.
• ✅ Schatz advocates for safe bike usage to be separated from partisan climate policy debates, requesting a review of additional scrutiny on bike projects.
• 🗣️ Secretary Duffy agrees that bikes are wonderful and that the department is not far apart on the issue, suggesting that execution and communication are causing misunderstandings.

Air Traffic Control System Upgrades

• ✈️ Schatz requests specific details on costs and timelines for upgrading the air traffic control system, including telecommunications, to inform the traveling public.