CCD Transportation Task Force Report 

2004 Activities 

The task force focused on support for a number of provisions in the six year reauthorization of the Transportation Equity Act for the 21^st Century (TEA-21).  Specifically, we supported in the House bill (HR 3550) provisions for a New Freedom Initiative program, improvements in the Section 5310 program, language regarding hazard elimination and increased funding for Project Action.  We supported Senate language increasing funding for Section 5310 and language aimed at improving safety and accessibility of sidewalks.  Ultimately Congress failed to reach agreement about the overall funding for the reauthorization and the conference committee did not complete their work. TEA 21 was extended until May 2005.   

Other task force activities included:

• Support for FY 2005 appropriations for Project Action
• Participation in the Transportation Security Administration’s Disability Coalition
• Meeting with Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Alex Acosta to discuss civil rights and transportation issues

Expected 2005 Activities 

• Continue support for favorable disability provisions in the reauthorization of TEA-21.
• Coordinate with the CCD Rights task force on comments to the regulations implementing the Air Carrier Access Act and the Access Board’s activities on passenger vessels.
• Continue participation in the TSA Disability Coalition
• Continue to support funding for Project Action

For More information contact Julie Ward, The Arc and UCP Disability Policy Collaboration or Honorary Co-chair For Life Maureen McCloskey, Paralyzed Veterans of America.