During September, $1.16 billion of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) highway stimulus funds were obligated for highway construction projects, while payments to contractors for construction work performed continued to grow rapidly, hitting almost $2.4 billion.
Below are highlights of the eighth report released by the American Road & Transportation Builders Association, along with a color-coded map of the U.S. showing each state’s progress.
During September, state and local transportation agencies obligated $400 million more in ARRA funding than in August, bringing the grand total to $19.3 billion, which is 71.6% of the $26.9 billion available;
Wyoming stands alone in having obligated 100% of its ARRA highway funds, including all funds suballocated to local governments. At least 90% of stimulus money has been obligated in seven states, including Iowa, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Utah, West Virginia and Wyoming, while 26 states have obligated at least 75%;
Through the ninth month there were 3,966 ARRA-financed projects under construction, with more than 600 jobs that got under way in September; and
Nineteen states have obligated $337.3 million of ARRA highway funds for nonhighway improvements, including $930,000 in September. Of this total, $288.4 million has been flexed to transit, including $175 million by the state of New York.
