Legislative Update: House, Senate Act on ARC's FY 2006 Funding Legislation; ADHS Program Extended June 2005

On June 16, 2005, the Senate Committee on Appropriations approved its fiscal year (FY) 2006 energy and water development appropriations bill, which contains $65.5 million in funding for ARC's nonhighway programs. This is the same funding level ARC received in FY 2005, and the amount requested in the president's budget. No earmarks were included in the Senate measure. Full Senate action on the bill is expected in June. The House's version of the legislation, which was passed May 24, contains $38.5 million for ARC and includes $7.4 million in earmarks.

On May 26, Congress approved a 30-day extension—until June 30—of federal highway programs, including the Appalachian Development Highway System. The previous extension was to expire May 31. Both the House and the Senate have passed multiyear highway bills, but a compromise agreement has not yet been crafted. On June 30, Congress approved a further extension, until late July.