Feds push out stimulus funds for transport

Feds push out stimulus funds for transport    The Department of Transportation has distributed $2.9 billion to 33 states for almost 800 approved projects out of the $27 billion total for highway infrastructure in the economic stimulus plan enacted last month.
   Rep. James Oberstar, chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee reported the results to Congress Thursday.
   The money released so far represents more than 10 percent of the highway funds in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
   Amtrak has approved $938 million in capital improvements including $105 million to replace a movable bridge over the Niantic River.
   The Federal Aviation Administration has identified $913 million out of its $1.1 billion appropriation for airport projects such as runway, taxiway, apron and terminal improvements.