Some, but not all, of the bill's funding could be obligated quickly. For example, the bill says that up to $2 billion of the $10.9 billion in transit funds can bemade available within 60 days of enactment. But the other $8.9 billion cannot go out until agencies take steps to implement the new transit emergency-relief program established by last year's Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21). One requirement is that FTA must issue MAP-21-mandated interim rules for the new emergency program.

The bill's highway funds have limits: No state can get more than $500 million of the $2.2 billion in the bill for Sandy-related emergency repairs and reconstruction. The Federal Highway Administration already has provided $59 million to five states in the Sandy-affected region using existing emergency funds.

The bill also directs that some of the Corps money be withheld until the agency assesses East Coast projects—in place, under way or authorized but not yet built—to determine how well they can mitigate storm risks. In addition, $2.9 billion of the bill's $3.5 billion for the Corps construction account must go for reducing "future flood risk in ways that will support the long-term sustainability of the coastal ecosystem and communities" and reduce floods' economic costs.