Soy Transportation Coalition


	U.S. Transportation Budget Flat for 2011 Initial figures for fiscal 2011 indicate that the Department of Transportation will be marking time financially in fiscal 2011, in keeping with President Obama’s promise last week to freeze the budget as a deficit-reduction measure. The bottom-line numbers published on Feb. 1 for the department show a 2.3 percent increase over fiscal 2010, which barely keeps up with inflation. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Consumer Price Index grew 2.7 percent in 2009; the Producer Price Index grew 4.4 percent. DOT’s proposed 2011 budget is $78.8 billion, up from $77 billion in 2010. High profile expenditures include $4 billion to create the National Infrastructure Innovation and Finance fund, $1.14 billion for the Federal Aviation Administration Next Generation air control system, and $1 billion for high-speed rail. DOT did not highlight spending for other surface transportation expenditures. Source: The Journal of Commerce


	The Soy Transportation Coalition is comprised of seven state soybean boards, the American Soybean Association, and the United Soybean Board. The National Grain and Feed Association and the National Oilseed Processors Association serve as ex-officio members of the organization.