The House passed a $1.5 trillion omnibus spending package on Wednesday night. The Omnibus package includes $16.3 billion for transit and $3.3 billion for passenger and freight rail in the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development and Related Agencies section of the proposal. If passed, the $1.5 trillion appropriations bill would fund the government through Sept. 30, 2022.
The bill now heads to the Senate. The House also passed a short-term spending measure to ensure funding levels remain through March 15. A previously passed continuing resolution funding the government was set to expire March 11.
The highlights of what is included within the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022 (H.R. 2471):
- $775 million for National Infrastructure Investments (RAISE grants, formerly BUILD/TIGER) where at least $20 million is awarded to assist areas of persistent poverty and historically disadvantaged communities;
- Federal Transit Administration – $16.3 billion, which includes
- $13.4 billion for transit formula grants
- $2.25 billion for Capital Investment Grants Program
- $504.3 million for Transit Infrastructure Grants and projects.
- $175 million for Buses and Bus Facilities grants
- $75 million for Low or No Emission grants
- $6.5 million for Ferry Boat grants with at least $3.25 million awarded for low or zero-emission ferries
- $12.97 million for ferry service for rural communities
- $200.8 million for community project funding/congressionally directed spending
