ÎÚÑ»´«Ã½

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has notified states that, as required by SAFETEA-LU, $8.7 billion in budget authority will be rescinded from their unobligated Federal-aid highway balances on September 30, 2009. While for some states this will not have a direct effect, in many states this will result in an actual cut in funding for highway construction projects. Each state will lose budget authority in a proportion that matches its percent of the total highway funds that were provided over the six year life of SAFETEA-LU (FY 2004-2009). Senator Kit Bond (R-MO) attempted to remedy this situation with an amendment in July when Congress was taking action to keep the Highway Trust Fund solvent by transferring $7 billion from the general fund. While there was significant support to correct the rescission problem, it was not acted on and, therefore, FHWA is required to take this action. ÎÚÑ»´«Ã½ is working to have this rescission corrected when Congress returns from its summer recess.