Further Surface Transportation Extension Act of 2021
Oct 31, 2021
Statute: 135 Stat. 409
Became law: Oct 31, 2021
Oct 31, 2021
Statute: 135 Stat. 409
Became law: Oct 31, 2021
Summary
Provides a temporary extension for federal highway, safety, and transit programs to keep them running until a long-term funding law can be passed.
What problem does this solve?
Federal funding for roads, bridges, and public transit was about to expire, which would have stopped projects and put people out of work. This law pushes back the deadline, giving lawmakers more time to agree on a bigger funding plan.
What does this law do?
Extends transportation program deadlines
Changes the end date for federal highway, safety, and transit programs from October 31, 2021, to December 3, 2021.
Extends trust fund spending
Allows spending from the Highway Trust Fund, Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund, and Leaking Underground Storage Tank Trust Fund until December 4, 2021.
Ensures federal employee pay
Updates rules to make sure federal employees involved in these programs can be paid during the extension period, preventing furloughs.
Who does this affect?
- State and local governments
- Federal transportation employees
- Construction and transportation industry workers
What is the real world impact?
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Prevents a shutdown of transportation projects
Keeps federal money flowing to states for roads, bridges, and public transit. This avoids stopping construction projects and furloughing government workers who manage these programs.
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Buys more time for negotiations
Acts as a short-term fix because Congress had not yet passed a larger, long-term infrastructure bill (H.R. 3684). This extension gives lawmakers more time to finish their negotiations without causing a crisis.
When does this start?
This law extends transportation funding and spending authority until early December 2021.
Program Extension
Federal-aid highway, highway safety, and transit programs are extended until December 3, 2021.
Trust Fund Spending Authority
Spending from the Highway, Sport Fish, and Leaking Underground Storage Tank trust funds is allowed until December 4, 2021.