On July 29, 2019, the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee unanimously approved ATIA. It is the largest highway legislation in U.S. history. It authorizes $287 Billion over five (5) years with $259 Billion authorized for formula programs to maintain and repair roads and bridges across the US and dedicates $5.5 Billion in a new resiliency program dedicated to protecting highways from storms, fires, floods and rockslides. The total represents an increase of over 27% from FAST Act levels.
The legislation includes provisions to improve road safety, streamline project delivery, protect the environment and grow the economy. It also authorizes a mix of formula-based and grant-based programs to begin to reduce transportation-related emissions. Broader legislation includes a measure to improve America's bridges. The Bridge Investment Act, a total of over $6.5 Billion, would establish a competitive grant program to assist in the repair and replacement of deficient and outdated bridges, and ease the national bridge repair backlog.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce applauded the five-year highway bill publicly on social media. The final step of determining financing will be left for the Senate Finance Committee. A House of Representatives version of the transportation bill is not expected until early 2020.
Watch for updates to this exciting legislation.