2010 Transportation Appropriations Bill Progressing

The Senate Appropriations Committee has now approved its version of the FY 2010 transportation appropriations legislation. The bill provides $42.5 billion for the highway program, a 4.4 percent increase over FY 2009 and transit program funding of $11.1, a nine percent increase over FY 2009. The bill also provides $3.5 billion for the Airport Improvement Program, the same amount appropriated in the past two years. Previously, the House approved its version of the bill, which included lower amounts for highways ($41.1 billion) and transit ($10.5 billion). The Senate bill includes $1.2 billion for high-speed passenger rail improvements-$2.8 billion less than the amount in the House bill. While the appropriations bill is required, action to extend transportation program authorization - and provide additional Highway Trust Fund revenue beyond the $7 billion recently approved by the House and Senate - is necessary before the appropriated funds can be sent to the states.