Insufficient ‘token funding’ for activist groups in Biden-Buttigieg transportation racial equity efforts.
Secretary Pete Buttigieg’s Department of Transportation Struggles to Meet Activists’ Expectations
Secretary Pete Buttigieg’s Department of Transportation (DOT) has faced criticism for the slow progress of its racial equity initiatives in conjunction with the rollout of infrastructure projects. Many activists had hoped for more extensive and rapid action from the administration.
One of Buttigieg’s key equity initiatives focuses on environmental justice and addresses concerns that past infrastructure projects, such as the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956, were completed in a systemically racist manner.
Challenges and Initiatives
The DOT has implemented programs like Justice40, which ensures that 40% of DOT grants are awarded to “disadvantaged communities.” Additionally, the Reconnecting Communities program aims to rectify historic inequities in infrastructure. Buttigieg has taken on the responsibility of addressing the perceived injustices of his Department’s past.
In 2021, Buttigieg utilized the Civil Rights Act to challenge the expansion of Interstate 45 near Houston, Texas. This move tested environmental justice arguments made by activist groups like Stop TxDOT I-45, who raised concerns about the displacement of over 1,300 homes, businesses, and houses of worship in predominantly minority areas. They also highlighted the potential health risks associated with increased pollution in these communities.
However, in March, the DOT published its findings, stating that it did not find any issues with the $9 billion expansion and promising to provide housing for displaced residents. Buttigieg clarified that the goal was not to prevent road expansions altogether, but rather to ensure practical considerations and fairness.
Activist Concerns and Limitations
Transportation for America, an activist organization, has expressed disappointment with the Biden administration’s approach, claiming that it has done little to combat highway expansions. According to group director Beth Osborne, the shift in tone does not bode well for their cause.
David Ditch, a transportation expert and senior policy analyst at the Heritage Foundation, argues that the equity argument has inherent limitations. He suggests that some activists believe injecting race into a debate automatically grants them victory and everything they desire, disregarding practical considerations associated with infrastructure projects.
Ditch acknowledges that activists’ concerns about past decisions resulting in the destruction of neighborhoods and urban corridors are valid. However, he argues that the highway system was a massive central planning operation with unintended consequences, rather than a deliberately racist endeavor.
Complex Considerations
While rectifying past mistakes is important, Ditch emphasizes that modern considerations for removing highways are more complex than simply correcting historical grievances. He cautions against attempting to restore the past without considering present conditions and the potential negative impacts on regional economies.
Buttigieg’s pursuit of equity initiatives also faces challenges. Despite his efforts, the $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill signed by President Joe Biden in 2021 includes highway expansion projects that involve the use of eminent domain to remove homes. This contrasts with the Reconnecting Communities program, which allocates $1 billion to address historic inequities through the rebuilding of main streets.
Ditch views the $1 billion as a symbolic amount that falls short of activists’ visions. He believes that the number of projects and the funding required to address them far exceeds what can be achieved with this limited budget.
The DOT did not respond to a request for comment from the Washington Examiner.
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Now loading...