APWA is providing information on national economic recovery legislation, its implementation and related governmental actions as they pertain to public works infrastructure. Check back regularly for updates on state and federal actions, reports, opportunities, resources, guidance and the latest news.

March 19, 2010

Transportation Extension Enacted

President Obama March 18 signed into law legislation extending federal surface transportation programs through December 31, 2010. The Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment (HIRE) Act, HR 2847, whose centerpiece includes tax relief for businesses hiring new employees, also transfers $19.5 billion from the general fund to the Federal Highway Trust Fund to maintain its solvency through 2011. The Act repeals a rescission of unobligated highway program contract authority that was part of SAFETEA-LU and includes an expansion of the Build America Bonds program for state and local infrastructure.

The transportation extension is needed to allow Congress more time to complete work on a new authorization to succeed SAFETEA-LU, which expired on September 30, 2009.

March 17, 2010

Senate Approves Jobs Bill Extending SAFETEA-LU through December 31, 2010; President Expected to Sign Legislation into Law

The Senate March 17th gave final approval to a House-passed jobs bill that includes an extension of federal surface transportation programs through December 31, 2010. The President is expected to sign the legislation into law. The vote was 68-29.

The Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment (HIRE) Act, HR 2847, includes tax relief for businesses hiring new employees. It also transfers $19.5 billion from the general fund to the Federal Highway Trust Fund, projected to become insolvent in a few months, to repay interest foregone since 1998. Prior to that year, the Trust Fund earned interest on its balance. The legislation also repeals the rescission of unobligated highway program contract authority that was part of SAFETEA-LU and includes an expansion of the Build America Bonds program for state and local infrastructure.

The transportation extension is needed to allow Congress more time to complete work on a new authorization to succeed SAFETEA-LU, which expired on September 30, 2009. The latest extension ends March 28.

March 5, 2010

House Approves Jobs Bill Extending SAFETEA-LU Through December 2010

The House of Representatives March 4 approved a modified version of a Senate-passed jobs bill that includes an extension of federal surface transportation programs through December 31, 2010. The House approved the Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment (HIRE) Act, HR 2847, 217-201 after amending it to offset its cost. The vote sends the bill back to the Senate.

The legislation includes tax relief for businesses hiring new employees. For transportation programs, the bill transfers $19.5 billion from the general fund to the Federal Highway Trust Fund, projected to become insolvent in a few months, to repay interest foregone since 1998. Prior to that year, the Trust Fund earned interest on its balance. The legislation also repeals the rescission of unobligated highway program contract authority that was part of SAFETEA-LU and includes an expansion of the Build America Bonds program for state and local infrastructure.

The transportation extension is needed to allow Congress more time to complete work on a new authorization to succeed SAFETEA-LU, which expired on September 30, 2009. The latest extension ends March 28.