I can't wait to write it.

It was meant not as a thread against competitive grant programs but as a thread against solving problems in large formula programs through tiny discretionary programs. It has failed for decades (and could hardly do anything else) and, yet, is the only strategy I see considered seriously for change.

So stop it. If you don't like it then don't champion it. This is my 6th reauthorization and it was impossible not to see most of this coming if you can look at and learn from past mistakes. So let's try it.
7/

Local leaders, transit/bike/ped advocates, environmentalists, community groups often complain about their treatment by state DOTs and their lack of access to funding from the federal transportation program. But then they lobby for and/or support more of the same.
6/

Now Ds and Rs are happily working on reauthorization negotiating how much of the competitive grants will go to put more money out to the states with less accountability. State DOTs and Rs can't throw a bone to those that want accountability and modernization. Everyone else...
5/

The Biden Administration moved these grant programs too slowly. I got comments from over 20 DOT staffers about a no cost extension on a grant—many contradicted each other. That left these funds available for the taking.
4/