If the present level of transportation spending were projected to continue for six years, it would total $120 billion.

In the fight over transportation spending, a new group of brawlers entered the fray today.

Under the plan, the aide said, transportation spending would continue at current levels for six months, until next spring.

That would give the mayor more say over transportation spending.

Federal, state and city budget problems, however, could reduce transportation spending.

And they agreed that about $8 billion in additional funding could be allocated over five years for transportation spending.

The city's capital and operating budgets would no longer include transportation spending.

And the transportation spending is just part of the activity expected in the area.

Last summer, again with bipartisan support, Congress passed a new $217.3 billion, six-year transportation spending law.

The Bush budget for 2005 has projected $256 billion in transportation spending.