Reauthorization 101

Surface transportation reauthorization (sometimes referred to as simply “reauthorization”) is a shorthand term for the legislative process where the federal surface transportation program is renewed—setting all policies, priorities, and funding levels for multiple years to come.

Our short guide explains and “dewonks” the transportation reauthorization process. Use it to understand:

• Why reauthorization matters
• How the transportation program is funded
• Who is involved in reauthorization and how they can influence it
• Recent history of reauthorization

Surface transportation reauthorization bills are multiyear, typically covering five to six years, though not always. The current authorization included in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) was signed into law on November 15, 2021, and expires on September 30, 2026. Decisions made in 2025 are likely to influence the IIJA’s replacement.

Use this short and simple guide to help you or your organization get the most out of this process as it kicks off in 2025.

Transportation for America’s Community Connectors portal provides tools and information for advocates to decode the complex and confusing maze of programs, acronyms, and decision points that determine what gets built with federal and state transportation dollars.

Who actually chooses how federal transportation dollars get spent? What are the outdated measures and standards states use to justify expensive new highways? Access all of our resources here.