Surface Transportation Extension Act of 2021
Oct 2, 2021
Statute: 135 Stat. 382
Became law: Oct 2, 2021
Oct 2, 2021
Statute: 135 Stat. 382
Became law: Oct 2, 2021
Summary
Keeps money flowing for roads, highways, and public transit programs for a short time until a longer-term law is passed.
What problem does this solve?
Funding for the nation's road, bridge, and transit projects was about to expire, which would have stopped work and furloughed federal employees. This law provides a temporary, one-month funding extension to keep programs running while Congress finalizes a long-term infrastructure bill.
What does this law do?
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Extension of Federal surface transportation programs
Extends surface transportation programs
Continues federal highway, highway safety, and public transit programs that were set to expire. The extension lasts from October 1, 2021, through October 31, 2021.
Authorizes temporary funding
Provides one month of funding for transportation programs from the Highway Trust Fund and the general fund. The amount is based on a fraction of the previous year's funding levels.
Prevents double funding
Includes a rule to cancel the funding from this act if the larger infrastructure bill, H.R. 3684, is passed. This ensures that programs are not funded twice for the same period.
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Federal employee compensation following highway trust fund expiration
Guarantees pay for furloughed employees
Ensures that any federal employee furloughed because of a lapse in Highway Trust Fund money will receive back pay for the time they were out of work.
Extends spending authority for key trust funds
Allows spending from the Highway Trust Fund, Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund, and Leaking Underground Storage Tank Trust Fund until November 1, 2021.
Delays distribution of funds to states
Prohibits the Secretary of Transportation from distributing certain highway funds to states on October 1, 2021, delaying the distribution until at least October 15, 2021.
Who does this affect?
- State and local governments
- Federal transportation employees
- Construction and transportation industries
What is the real world impact?
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Prevents a shutdown of transportation funding
Provides a short-term funding patch to avoid the disruption of federal highway and transit programs across the country. This ensures that states can continue their planned infrastructure projects without interruption while a larger bill is negotiated.
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Provides back pay for furloughed workers
Guarantees that any federal transportation employee sent home without pay due to a funding lapse will be paid for their missed time. This protects workers from financial hardship caused by delays in passing a funding bill.
When does this start?
This law extends transportation programs through October 31, 2021, and contains several other key dates.
Program Extension Period
Federal surface transportation programs are extended from October 1, 2021, through October 31, 2021.
Trust Fund Spending Authority
The authority to make payments from the Highway Trust Fund and other related funds is extended until November 1, 2021.
Delayed Fund Distribution
The Secretary of Transportation is prohibited from distributing certain funds to states before October 15, 2021.
Deadline for Rescinding Funds
If the larger infrastructure bill (H.R. 3684) passes, the Secretary must cancel the funds from this act by September 30, 2022.