Feb 8, 2005 9:01 AM, by Larry Kahaner

President George W Bush has requested $58.96 billion in total outlays to run the Department of Transportation (DOT) in fiscal 2006, which begins in October, a slight increase over the $58 billion for fiscal 2005.

This does not include transportation-related funding within the Department of Homeland Security or the administration’s proposed $284 billion for a six-year highway bill. The president’s record $2.57 trillion national budget is subject to congressional approval, and the highway bill is expected to be particularly contentious.

If Congress approves, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration could receive $455 million--up from $364 million. The Federal Railroad Administration could take a large hit, dropping from $1.45 billion to $1.09 billion. The Research and Special Programs Administration could receive $123 million, up from $112 million, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration could receive $689 million, a big jump from $298 million.

A new headquarters building for DOT would receive $100 million, up from a previously proposed $67 million.

Outside of DOT’s budget, the Environmental Protection Agency could receive $15 million to help retrofit or replace diesel engines and advocate anti-idling projects.