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The Transportation Lobby

Introduction

America’s transportation policy is dysfunctional. It’s also nearly bankrupt. Now, as debate reaches a crescendo over a new $500 billion transportation bill, can the national interest trump hundreds of special interests?
Don’t bet on it.

Read More | About This Project

Transport Bill

Main Street Chases Transportation Money

As the nation’s transportation law came up for renewal last fall, more than 650 cites and counties were paying federal lobbyists to help deliver money from Washington. That number grew by 80 percent since the last such deadline. Most of those local governments would like an earmark, but they’re also looking for a brand new policy. Billions are on the line. Read More

The Transportation Lobby Top 10

The next massive federal transportation bill is both stalled and in need of new funding. To keep the pressure on, the transportation lobby is turning to plenty of beltway lobbying firms. These ten represent more than 400 of the interested parties. Read More

A Lobbying Free-for-All

Almost 1,800 special interests spent at least $45 million over the first six months of this year to “help” Congress draft a new transportation bill. Who are they? Check out our story and the accompanying interactive map. Read More

Mapping the Transportation Lobby

Who’s lobbying on transportation in your area? Check out the interactive map, which has been updated with third quarter 2009 data.

Rail

Washington’s Newest Gravy Train: High-Speed Rail

More than 50 interests and 35 states are chasing $8 billion in stimulus rewards and the prospect for billions more. But the lobbying rush alone may not bring America any closer to realizing the dream of high-speed rail. Read More

Twitter Feed

  • GGWs Metro-evolution map def worth a look for citizens (in twin cities, etc.)debating which rail line to build first: http://bit.ly/bHn77t Feb. 08, 2010, 7:16 pm
  • Center's rail lobby map shows who will be keeping pressure on DC to keep up today's historic rail efforts: http://bit.ly/caWTl6 #hsr #hsrail Jan. 28, 2010, 11:27 am
  • #SOTU lobbying contacts and earmark transparency, separately. Wonder if lobbyists disclosing earmark requests would fly? Some do a good job. Jan. 27, 2010, 11:18 pm
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