The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is responsible for allocating funds to state transportation systems in order to improve infrastructure and support economic growth. In 2020, the FHWA announced a record $61 billion in funding to be distributed among the 50 states, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia. This significant investment is expected to have a major impact on state transportation systems and the communities they serve.

In this article, we will explore the details of the FHWA's allocation and the potential effects it could have on state transportation systems.

We will examine the areas that will benefit the most from this funding, such as road and bridge improvements, public transportation enhancements, and safety initiatives.

Additionally, we will discuss the challenges and considerations that state transportation departments may face in implementing these projects, including the need for efficient management and coordination with other agencies.

By delving into the details of this historic allocation, we can gain a better understanding of its potential to improve the nation's transportation infrastructure and support economic development at the state level.

Disbursement Marks Third Year of Infrastructure Funding

The Federal Highway Administration has announced that states will receive their third annual increase in highway funds. However, it should be noted that the dollar amounts allocated for bridge and Appalachian development highway improvements will remain unchanged. This funding is part of a $61 billion pot of infrastructure money released by the Federal Highway Administration.

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg expressed gratitude to President Joe Biden for the release of these funds on October 5th. The apportionments for 12 formula programs in the third round of bipartisan infrastructure law funds are aimed at improving the nation's aging infrastructure across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.

Buttigieg emphasized the importance of these improvements, stating that they will modernize roads and bridges, strengthen supply chains, create jobs, and enhance connectivity across the country. The distribution of federal infrastructure law funds is based on congressionally mandated formulas and is carried out each fiscal year by the Federal Highway Administration.

Compared to the annual allocation in FY2021, FY2024 will see an increase of $17.6 billion for formula programs. These funds are authorized by Congress and are crucial in assisting states with the construction, rebuilding, and improvement of highways and bridges on eligible federal-aid routes, as well as other designated programs and projects.

Shailen Bhatt, the Federal Highway Administrator, highlighted the significance of these investments in American infrastructure. The funds provide states with the flexibility to allocate resources towards various transportation projects, including improving safety, replacing aging bridges, and reducing carbon emissions.

FY2024 federal-aid highway programs

For FY2024 federal-aid highway programs, $54.6 billion has been authorized to be appropriated from the Highway Trust Fund, representing a 4% increase from FY2022. However, the funds allocated for bridge repair formula grant funds and the development of the Appalachian highway system remain the same as the previous fiscal years, with $5.3 billion annually for bridge repairs and $246 million allocated to the Appalachian states.

The National Highway Performance Program will receive the highest amount of funding at $29.58 billion, followed by the Surface Transportation Block Grant Program, which will receive $14.39 billion. Other programs, such as the Highway Safety Improvement Program, the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Program, the PROTECT Program, and the National Highway Freight Program, will also receive significant funding.

Additionally, the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program will receive $885 million in FY2024, the same as FY2023 and higher than FY2022. This funding is essential for supporting the growth and development of electric vehicle infrastructure across the country.

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