Listening
Unlocking Word Meanings
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
- rescind / rɪˈsɪnd / (v.) – to make a law, rule, or decision lose its legal power
Example:The government decided to rescind the new law after many citizens protested against it.
- transit / ˈtræn zɪt / (n.) – the system of public transportation for moving people or things from one place to another
Example:The president approved the funding to improve transit in rural areas.
- allocate / ˈæl əˌkeɪt / (v.) – to divide and distribute something for a specific purpose or to certain people, businesses, etc.
Example:The scholarship funds could not be allocated until the university completed the selection process.
- keep (someone) posted / kip ˈpoʊs tɪd / (idiom) – to regularly give someone the latest information about a situation that is quickly changing
Example:The team leader keeps his manager posted on the project’s progress.
- oversee / ˌoʊ vərˈsi / (v.) – to manage a process, project, etc. to ensure that it is being done correctly
Example:A senior engineer was hired to oversee the construction of the new bridge.
Article
Read the text below.
President Donald Trump’s administration backed off its demand for an extra layer of federal scrutiny whenever states seek even minor changes to their transportation plans after the rescinded requirement sparked concern that some payments for roads, bridges and transit would be delayed or even halted due to policy differences.
Most of the federal money used for transportation projects flows to states almost automatically through formulas established by Congress that consider population and other factors. For decades, states have enjoyed widespread autonomy to set their own priorities and spend the funds on projects they deem most worthy.
But under the policy the administration put in place and then reversed, no additional money was to be allocated until lawyers in the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Washington headquarters signed off on any changes. Such amendments to state transportation plans were already subject to a federal review, but it was usually a swift process from a regional office to confirm they didn’t violate any U.S. laws.
State transportation departments learned of the reversal through an email from Joung Lee, deputy director and chief policy officer for the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. Lee said the Trump administration had confirmed that the review process was being returned to the regional level without the need for lawyers in Washington to sign off.
“As this remains a continuing development, we will keep you posted on any further updates,” Lee wrote.
The U.S. Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration didn’t respond to emails seeking details about why the headquarters-level review was implemented and later reversed.
The Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations (AMPO), which represents organizations that oversee local and regional transportation projects that get federal funding, told its members that at least six states had reported learning about an anticipated pause in getting their plans approved due to the extra review.
“In areas with large-scale projects or narrow construction windows, even short delays can cascade into prolonged setbacks, increased project costs, and missed opportunities to address critical transportation needs,” AMPO said in the memo.
This article was provided by The Associated Press.
Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.
Discussion A
- The now-rescinded requirement would have added an extra layer of scrutiny to changes in states’ transportation plans, such as road construction and public transit improvements. Do you think the national government must do so? Why do you say so? Discuss.
- In your opinion, what should be carefully checked when approving transportation plans (ex. budget, the quality of materials)? Discuss.
Discussion B
- In your opinion, how important is it to implement transportation plans as quickly as possible? How could delays in transportation plans affect citizens? Discuss.
- In your country, how would you describe the implementation of transportation plans (ex. quick implementation, slow and causing heavy traffic)? Are you satisfied with your government’s transportation plans? Why or why not? Discuss.
