Highway and Transit Programs to Continue

 

The last federal transportation authorization law known as SAFETEA-LU lapsed Sept. 30. In late September, Congress enacted a one-month continuing resolution after neither chamber was able to move a full six-year reauthorization bill.
Courtesy of AASHTO

Congress acted to send President Obama a second continuing resolution keeping federal highway and transit programs in operation for the next seven weeks. Infrastructure improvements can provide landscape opportunities.

The House of Representatives approved the seven-week extension as part of the conference report for the Fiscal Year 2010 Interior/Environment appropriations bill. The Senate followed with its approval. If Obama signs the measure, highway and transit grants to states will be funded through Dec. 18.

The legislation also provides authority for federal agencies lacking an appropriations law this fiscal year, including the U.S. Department of Transportation, to continue spending money until Dec. 18.

Because of an $8.7 billion rescission of states' highway contract authority, which took effect Sept. 30, the seven-week extension will be at a level $1.5 billion lower in contract authority than for the similar period last year.

– Courtesy of AASHTO