Transportation Nation and the League of American Bicyclists are reporting that this week may be critical for budgeted 2011 investments in transportation and infrastructure. House Republicans want to cut nearly $15.5 billion from the section of the budget carrying transportation and housing funding. The cuts impact highway projects, infrastructure investments, and particularly high-speed rail.

This is expected to be the first round of an ongoing battle over infrastructure investment.

The bulk of this first round is expected to come from high speed rail, but there are significant cuts planned to surface transportation and infrastructure as well. Nancy Pelosi, House Minority Leader, has said “When you say they want to cut transportation, we know right away that’s a false economy.”

The League of American Cyclists say, “If an amendment attacking biking and walking is proposed we will let you know right away and ask that you do your part as a citizen to raise your or biking and walking.”

The cuts are expected to be proposed Tuesday. More details will come as the situation develops.

Photo by Eric, via Flickr

Author: julie

Julie Kosbab is an online marketing consultant and active transportation advocate living in Anoka County, Minnesota. She was one of Minnesota's only League of American Bicyclists Certified Instructors when certified in 2005. She is a past member of the National Bicycle Tour Directors Association. She has 2 children and 4 bicycles. Find her on Twitter as @betweenstations.