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Last week, Congress extended the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21) for the seventh time since it originally expired in September 2003. The most recent extension was set to expire May 31.

Expiring June 30, the one-month extension will maintain transit and highway program funding, and provide House and Senate members more time to resolve the difference between their versions of the reauthorization bill. The House and Senate have appointed conference committee members and begun preliminary negotiations to settle on a funding level.

The Senate's version would provide $293.8 billion for federal transportation programs through fiscal-year 2009, including $53.8 billion for transit. The House’s bill, Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users, would provide $284 billion for federal transportation programs, including $52.3 billion for transit.