Transportation agencies have been near the front of the pack in getting American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds out the door. In highways, state depts. of transportation have $16.8 billion in ARRA projects under construction, says David Bauer, American Road & Transportation Builders Association senior vice president. That represents 63% of ARRA’s $26.7 billion in formula highway aid. “If it’s under construction, it’s supporting employment,” he says.
U.S. Dept. of Transportation reports strong progress in other ARRA categories. Nearly all the $1.1 billion in airport grants has gone to projects under way or since completed. Transit capital funding has moved out rapidly. Further, DOT on Jan. 28 awarded all the $8 billion ARRA provided for high-speed rail grants.