At a White House East Room ceremony Friday, July 6, President Obama signed the Moving Ahead for the 21st Century Act (MAP-21). Congress passed the transportation reauthorization legislation just in time to beat the June 30, 2012, expiration date. A one week extension (the tenth of its kind) was also approved to allow time for the legislation to be filed in the proper format. MAP-21 extends highway and transit program authorization for 27-months – through the end of FY 2014 – and keeps funding at current levels with a modest inflation boost (1.4 percent) in FY 2013 and 2014. Authority to collect the Federal motors fuels tax is also extended through the end of FY 2016.
View AGC’s summary of the bill’s major provisions of interest to the construction industry here.
The reform provisions in the legislation, including environmental streamlining, transportation enhancement program changes, and program consolidation will not be implemented until Oct. 1, 2012. In a conference call with the major stakeholders following the vote, Senate Environment and Public Works Committee Chair Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) said she would like to take a few month hiatus from the bill, but added that Congress now needs to identify a new revenue source, which is needed to keep the Highway Trust Fund operating into the future.
AGC has contacted those senators and representatives who supported passage of the bill and thanked them for their vote. AGC also contacted the 53 representatives and 19 senators who voted in opposition to express our disappointment and reiterate the value these programs have to the long term viability of the US economy, global competitiveness and job creation. Letters have been uploaded to AGC’s Legislation Action Center for you to send similar letters to your Congressional delegation. This was not an easy vote for members of Congress. Those who voted in support are hearing from opponents of the legislation. They also need to hear from supporters. Please take the time to let your elected officials know that you are aware of their vote and their support is appreciated.
For more information, please contact Brian Deery at (703) 837-5319 or deeryb@agc.org.