Cohen Reintroduces Bill to Create Transportation Office of Livability

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Steve Cohen (D-TN-9) today reintroduced legislation that would improve our country’s transportation system, spur economic development and enhance the quality of life for many communities throughout the nation.

“When it comes to moving boxes and freight, no city in America rivals Memphis’ efficiency and effectiveness,” said Congressman Cohen. “However, when it comes to transporting our own citizens, Memphis has a long way to go. The legislation I have introduced will help Memphis develop a 21st Century transportation network that fosters economic development and mobility for its residents.”

The Enhancing Livability for All Americans Act would create the Office of Livability within the U.S. Department of Transportation. This office would focus on helping communities develop and maintain safe, reliable, integrated and accessible transportation networks that improve the economic and social well-being of their residents. The office, which would work extensively with urban and rural communities throughout the country, would perform the following five roles:

1. Manage a robust grant system that will provide grants to communities for creating strategic growth plans and for project implementation.
2. Provide funds for and oversee research studies throughout the U.S. Department of Transportation pertaining to livability.
3. Coordinate all interagency livability efforts with executive branch agencies as well as provide guidance to all intra-agency livability policies and efforts.
4. Administer or provide oversight to all existing and newly created U.S. Department of Transportation livability programs.
5. Develop and promote national policies that enhance livability as well as provide technical assistance to communities studying and implementing livability projects.

President Obama previously included key elements of Congressman Cohen’s measure in the Fiscal year 2011 Transportation budget -- $8 million to create the Office of Livability and $12 million for grants and technical assistance to state, local and non-profit organizations. Congressman Cohen has been a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee since January 2007.