This page has a series of helpful terms to understand, and charts that you can use and share
Term
Definition
Apportionment
A division of funds according to rules, established either in law or by regulation derived from law. Under formula fund programs, states are apportioned a subset of a given transportation program’s appropriations.
Appropriation
The amount of money set aside for a program, and, in the federal context, are established by Congress. The IIJA is unique in that it pre-appropriated funds for programs, providing predictability and consistency for agencies and planners.
Authorization
Language from legislation that gives agencies the authority to implement a program and establishes levels of funding that can be funded by appropriations.
Eligibilities
The type of projects eligible for funding under a given funding program. Eligibilities are initially defined in law and clarified by USDOT.
Obligations, or awarded funds
A binding agreement from the federal government designating funds to pay for eligible goods/services/studies/products, etc in service of a project.
Outlay
When a federal agency issues checks, disburses cash, or makes electronic transfer payments to liquidate (or settle) an obligation.
