President Biden Signs into Law FY22 Spending Bill

President Joe Biden signed into law a fiscal year (FY) 2022 spending bill on March 11. After nearly five months of negotiations, House and Senate leaders released the final bill text on March 9 for an FY22 spending bill that would provide roughly $1.5 trillion in federal spending for the new fiscal year. 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. The bill wil fund the government through Sept. 30, 2022.

The bill passed the House on March 9 by a vote of 361 to 69 and passed the Senate the following day by a vote of 68 to 31.

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