Obama lifts unspent earmark bans US$473 million for transport projects

THE US Obama administrations has freed up US$473 million for states transportation projects earmarked during the fiscal 2003 - 2006 for use on surface transportation projects, passenger rail or for port enhancements.

States department of transportation will now be able to move forward on stalled infrastructure projects supported by Obama's "We Can't Wait" programme to fast-track infrastructure ahead of the presidential campaign. Projects must be identified by the deadline of October 1 and be obligated by December 31.

"We are freeing up these funds so states can get down to the business of moving transportation projects forward and putting our friends and neighbours back to work," said DOT Secretary Ray LaHood.