ATA has developed a plan of action and identified priorities for the next federal highway bill.  The most recent bill – SAFETEA-LU – expired on October 1, 2009.  Congress has passed an extension of highway funding that will expire at the end of February.  The House has passed an extension through the end of 2010, but it is unclear whether the Senate is likely to approve an extension of that duration.  Congress is also debating a new jobs bill which is likely to include money for highways and transit.  Passage of this legislation could take the pressure off Congress to quickly pass a long-term highway bill.

On June 24, the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee’s Highways and Transit Subcommittee marked up the Surface Transportation Authorization Act (STAA) of 2009.  The STAA includes a total of $500 billion in funding over six years, including $337 billion for the highway program.  However, Congress has yet to identify a source of funding for much of the legislation.  The bill would increase the percentage of funding going to transit and would give more money directly to local governments instead of states.