Federal transportation, water programs gain $10 billion in final 2018 budget

Sources: U.S. House Committee on Appropriations; American Road and Transportation Builders Association, Washington, D.C.; CP staff

The FY 2018 omnibus bill President Donald Trump signed on March 23 adds $8.7 billion to federal transportation programs, which Congress had kept thus far at FY 2017 funding levels through continuing resolutions. Most notably, the federal highway program sees $3.5 billion in additional in road and bridge funding, bringing the FY 2018 FAST Act Highway line item to $46.76 billion, 8 percent above the 2017 level.

“While the increase in surface transportation investment is a positive step, it in no way lessens the need for Congress and the president to take action this year on a long-term infrastructure package with a permanent Highway Trust Fund solution as its centerpiece,” notes ARTBA Senior Vice President of Congressional Relations Dean Frank. “This remains the most pressing legislative priority for ARTBA and its [Transportation Construction Coalition] partners.”

The bill also increases federal water infrastructure funding above FY 2017 levels, led by an additional $918 million for Army Corps and Bureau of Reclamation port, waterway, flood control and water supply projects; and, $500 million in clean drinking water and sanitary waste disposal system grants.