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March 1, 2000 9:57 AM, EST

The Department of Transportation’s proposed $55 billion spending bill for 2001 is running into opposition on Capitol Hill because of proposals to increase user fees and to use fuel tax money for non-highway purposes.

In its views and estimates report released Feb. 18, the House Transportation Committee was especially critical of the proposed 300% increase in charges for shippers and carriers of hazardous materials.

Most of the $8 million in fees currently collected by the Research and Special Projects Administration is used to fund emergency preparedness planning and training grants for states. The agency plans to expand the fees beginning in May to raise $14 million annually. RSPA’s proposed 2001 budget calls for raising those fees to $33 million.

“The committee views the hazardous materials transportation safety program as vital to protecting the nation against the risk to life, property and the environment which is inherent in the commercial transportation of hazardous materials,” lawmakers wrote.

For the full story, see the Feb. 28 print edition of Transport Topics. .