US transport funding approved

US Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood has approved US$ 500 million in funding to support the country's surface transport infrastructure in 2012 under the Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) programme.

The previous three rounds of the TIGER programme provided US$ 2.6 billion in total, supporting 172 projects in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.

But the Department for Transportation said demand had been "overwhelming" - during the last three rounds of TIGER funding it received over 3300 applications requesting more than US$ 95 billion for projects across the country.

"Americans are demanding investments in highways, ports, commuter rail, streetcars, buses, and high-speed rail," Mr LaHood said.

TIGER 2012 provides up to US$ 100 million towards high-speed rail and intercity passenger rail projects, while US$ 120 million will support the development of transportation projects in rural area.

Like the first three rounds, TIGER 2012 grants will be awarded on a competitive basis. Projects will be evaluated on primary criteria that include safety, economic competitiveness and environmental sustainability. Applications are due by 19 March.