MAP 21 Summary
MAP 21 Summary
MAP 21 Summary
Bill Highlights
Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century (MAP-21) reauthorizes the Federal-aid highway program at the Congressional Budget Offices baseline levelequal to current funding levels plus inflationfor two fiscal years. MAP-21 consolidates the number of Federal programs by two-thirds, from about 90 programs down to less than 30, to focus resources on key national goals and reduce duplicative programs. Eliminates earmarks. Expedites project delivery while protecting the environment. Creates a new title called America Fast Forward, which strengthens the Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Program (TIFIA) program to leverage federal dollars further than they have been stretched before. Consolidates certain programs into a focused freight program to improve the movement of goods.
Unfortunately, the condition and capacity of the highway system has failed to keep up with the growth in freight movement and is hampering the ability of businesses to efficiently transport goods due to congestion. MAP-21 addresses the need to improve goods movement by consolidating existing programs into a new focused freight program that provides funds to the states by formula for projects to improve regional and national freight movements on highways, including freight intermodal connectors. Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program [Existing core program] The Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement (CMAQ) Program provides funds to states for transportation projects designed to reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality. MAP-21 improves the existing CMAQ program by including particulate matter as one of the pollutants addressed, and by requiring a performance plan in large metropolitan areas to ensure that CMAQ funds are being used to improve air quality and congestion in those regions. Reforms the Transportation Enhancements program with more flexibility granted to the states on the use of the funds within the program. Highway Safety Improvement Program [Existing core program] MAP-21 builds on the successful Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP). MAP-21 substantially increases the amount of funding for this program because of the strong results it has achieved in reducing fatalities. Under HSIP, states must develop and implement a safety plan that identifies highway safety programs and a strategy to address them. Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Program (TIFIA) The TIFIA program provides direct loans, loan guarantees, and lines of credit to surface transportation projects at favorable terms. TIFIA will leverage private and other non-federal investment in transportation improvements. Included in the America Fast Forward title of MAP-21 will be provisions that build upon the success of the TIFIA program. MAP-21 modifies the TIFIA program by increasing funding for the program to $1 billion per year, by increasing the maximum share of project costs from 33 percent to 49 percent, by allowing TIFIA to be used to support a related set of projects, and by setting aside funding for projects in rural areas at more favorable terms.
Projects of National and Regional Significance Program This bill authorizes a program to fund major projects of national and regional significance which meet rigorous criteria and eligibility requirements. This program authorizes for appropriation $1 billion in Fiscal Year 2013. Federal Lands and Tribal Transportation Highways Programs MAP-21 consolidates the existing program structure by creating a new Federal lands and tribal transportation program. The bill maintains funding for maintenance and construction of roads and bridges that are vital to the federal lands of this country. Territorial and Puerto Rico Highways Program This program provides funds to the U.S. territories and Puerto Rico to construct and maintain highway, bridge, and tunnel projects. Administrative Expenses Funds the general administrative operations of the Federal Highway Administration. Emergency Relief Provides funds to states to repair highways and bridges damaged by natural disasters. Highway Bridge and Tunnel Inventory and Inspection Standards Improves the existing highway bridge inspection program and authorizes a national tunnel inspection program to ensure the safety of our nations bridges and tunnels.
Performance Management
Performance Measures and Targets in MAP-21 o The bill establishes an outcome-driven approach that tracks performance and will hold states and metropolitan planning organizations accountable for improving the conditions and performance of their transportation assets. State and Metropolitan Transportation Planning o MAP-21 improves statewide and metropolitan planning processes to incorporate a more comprehensive performance-based approach to decision making. Utilizing performance targets will assist states and metropolitan areas in targeting limited resources on projects that will improve the condition and performance of their transportation assets.