On Feb. 16, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) released an apportionment notice in the Federal Register concerning FY 2010 funds.

The Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) expired Sept. 30, 2009. Since then, Congress has enacted short-term extensions allowing FTA to continue its current programs. The 2010 Continuing Appropriations Resolution, as amended, therefore continues authorization through Feb. 28, 2010, extending contract authority to FTA (and thus releasing funds) for the Formula and Bus Grants programs at the same levels under the 2009 Omnibus Appropriations—approximately 5-12ths of the contract authority available in FY 2009.

Congress is currently considering legislation to extend SAFETEA-LU. The House passed a bill extending it through the end of FY 2010; the Senate’s Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment (HIRE) Act would extend authorization through the end of calendar year 2010. The Senate may consider this legislation next week. HIRE would also transfer approximately $20 billion from the General Fund to the Highway Trust Fund to keep both the Highway and Transit accounts solvent.

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