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U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood today announced $5.9 million in grants to support transportation-related job training in 19 states and Washington, D.C.

The grants from the Federal Highway Administration’s On the Job Training/ Supportive Services (OJT/SS) program will fund apprenticeships and training opportunities for underrepresented or disadvantaged people pursuing careers in transportation, engineering or construction.

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The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) has honored state Department of Transportation (DOT) Director Brennon Morioka, Ph.D., P.E., M.ASCE, with the Civil Government Award, which recognizes members of the engineering profession who have rendered meritorious service in elected or appointed positions in government.

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“Short-faced” dog breeds such as pugs and bulldogs represent about half of the dogs that die while being transported by their owners as cargo, a significantly higher rate of mortality than for other dog breeds, according to data compiled by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT).

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The nation’s largest airlines had a rate of on-time flights this past May that was lower than the same month last year and the rate posted in April 2010, according to the Air Travel Consumer Report released today by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). Hawaiian Airlines had the highest reported on-time arrival rate at 94.3% for the month of May.

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The nation’s largest airlines had a rate of on-time flights this past March that was higher than the same month last year and the rate posted in February 2010, according to the Air Travel Consumer Report released today by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT).

According to information filed with the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), a part of DOT’s Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA), the 18 carriers reporting on-time performance recorded an overall on-time arrival rate of 80.0 percent in March, better than the 78.4 percent on-time rate of March 2009 and February 2010’s 74.6 percent.

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U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood today announced that $48.8 billion in highway funds is now available to state departments of transportation for federal projects through the Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment (HIRE) Act.

“With spring and summer highway construction seasons just beginning, these funds will help make it easier for states to put people back to work and begin long-term projects,” said Secretary LaHood.

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U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood today made the following statement after Toyota Motor Corporation agreed to pay a $16.375 million fine – the largest fine permitted by law – for failing to notify the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) of a dangerous pedal defect for almost four months:

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U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood today announced that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is seeking the maximum civil penalty of $16.375 million against Toyota Motor Corporation for failing to notify the auto safety agency of the dangerous “sticky pedal” defect for at least four months, despite knowing of the potential risk to consumers.

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Starting with 2012 model year vehicles, the rules together require automakers to improve fleet-wide fuel economy and reduce fleet-wide greenhouse gas emissions by approximately five percent every year. NHTSA has established fuel economy standards that strengthen each year reaching an estimated 34.1 mpg for the combined industry-wide fleet for model year 2016.

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Governor Linda Lingle announced today that the Department of Transportation Airports Division successfully sold $644.98 million of revenue bonds to fund various capital projects for the State’s Airports Modernization Plan and to refinance existing debt to provide significant savings to airports statewide.

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The U.S. Department of Transportation learned today of a third Toyota recall involving 2010 Prius hybrids and Lexus HS 250h vehicles experiencing brake system problems. Some 2010 Camrys prone to brake fluid leaks have also been recalled.

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.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood announced today that the Department’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) has started preparing the Alakai, a combined cargo and passenger ship built for ferry service in the Hawaiian Islands, for relief duty in Haiti. The ship will be crewed with U.S. civilian mariners.

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