Mar 2, 2009 8:35 AM

The Department of Transportation has unveiled the framework of its proposed fiscal year 2010 budget, and "it is a start toward setting the nation’s transportation system on a sustainable path," said DOT Secretary Ray LaHood.

The budget proposal provides a broad framework that commits funds for sustainable systems for surface transportation, explores options to make U.S. communities more livable through increased funding for public transit, supports development of a high-speed rail network across the nation, and supports the Next Generation Air Transportation System to modernize the air traffic control system.

To more transparently display DOT program resources, the Obama administration has proposed changing the budgetary treatment of transportation programs to show both budget authority and outlays as discretionary. The change will convey to the taxpayer the real costs of supporting the transportation infrastructure the nation needs.