By Ron Thaniel
January 11, 2010

An extension of the surface transportation program through September 30 is included in the House jobs package.

H.R. 2847, the Jobs for Main Street Act, passed by the U.S. House of Representatives on December 16, extends the current surface transportation programs under SAFETEA-LU at close to fiscal year 2009 levels. It would also allow states and local governments through MPOs to opt out of contributing their share for road and transit projects between the date of enactment and September 30.

The extension does contain provisions opposed by the Senate. And the Obama Administration has not changed its position, which is that an 18-month reauthorization is needed to allow the federal government to implement reforms in preparation for a six-year reauthorization when the economy begins to recover. The Administration has said that this would allow time to develop policies that will be included in the full reauthorization, and it would also incorporate lessons learned from the Recovery Act.

SAFETEA-LU expired September 30, 2009. Funding for these programs has been through continuing resolutions (CR), with the current CR providing funding through February 28.