Legislative Update: Senate Approves Six-Year Highway Reauthorization Bill; Congress Extends Funding for Highway Programs through October 29 July 2015

On July 30, 2015, the U.S. Senate passed a six-year surface transportation reauthorization bill containing a reauthorization of ARC nonhighway programs as well as an authorization for a new broadband deployment initiative at ARC. The bill would authorize $110 million annually for Commission programs over the next five years, including $10 million annually for the broadband initiative. It would continue the existing structure for funding work on the Appalachian Development Highway System (ADHS) but would extend to 2050 the authority for 100 percent federal funding of ADHS highway corridors. House consideration of a multi-year surface transportation bill is pending.

Congress approved a three-month extension of funding for federal highway programs on July 30, allowing the Highway Trust Fund to operate through October 29. The previous extension was due to expire on July 31.