Mapping the Money

Highway money's circuitous route from pockets to pavement has shortchanged states wondering whether there isn't a better way.

Taxes Go In

Highway users pay billions of dollars per year in taxes on motor fuels, tires, truck and trailer sales, and heavy equipment use. The government collects revenue from states and large companies and deposits it into the Highway Trust Fund.

Federal Aid Goes Out

Outlays to state highway departments require an act of Congress, which authorizes the programs and sets their funding limits. Authorizations are limited to what is in the trust fund. Most programs are given immediate contract authority and can begin obligating money right away.

Funding Gap

The Highway Trust Fund is not growing fast enough to meet construction needs because of administrative costs, inflation, exemptions, mounting obligations and increasing earmarks.

Winners and Losers

Biggest Donors:

Texas, California, Florida

Biggest Recipients:

Alaska, Massachusetts, New York

Breaking Even:

Mississippi

Agency Shares

The $284 billion highway and transit authorization would be shared by four Transportation Department administrations:

Federal Highway Administration:

$225.5 billion

Federal Transit Administration:

$52.3 billion

National Traffic and Highway Safety Administration:

$3.2 billion

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration:

$2.9 billion

SOURCES: Congressional Budget Office; H.r.R; Transportation Equity Act