Continuing resolution extends federal surface transportation funding

The continuing resolution extends funding for federal surface transportation programs for another two-plus months. Photo: Bim/iStock / Getty Images Plus/Getty Images

Editor’s note: This article was updated Oct. 2 to reflect that FAST Act funding was extended through Sept. 30, 2021.

President Trump signed a bill Oct. 1 extending funding for federal surface transportation programs through Sept. 30 of next year, the American Association of State Highway & Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Journal reports.

The FAST Act, which President Obama signed into law in 2015, expired Sept. 30. By signing the continuing resolution, President Trump and Congress are providing fiscal-year 2021 appropriations for federal agencies for another two-plus months.

Funding the Highway Trust Fund beyond two months was an exception in the continuing resolution, though. The AASHTO Journal details that an additional $13.6 billion was added to the Highway Trust Fund

According to Congress, the continuing resolution prevents a government shutdown that would otherwise occur if fiscal-year 2021 appropriations bills had not been enacted when fiscal-year 2021 began Oct. 1.

In addition to surface transportation programs, the continuing resolution extends several authorities and programs, including public health, Medicare, and Medicaid authorities and programs; several authorities related to veterans benefits; authorities to waive certain requirements for nutrition programs; the National Flood Insurance Program; and the Appalachian Regional Commission.