In this article the funding of research and technology programs under the newly authorized Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) is compared with that provided under the preceding Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21). The comparison uses multiyear totals and annual averages, because TEA-21 authorized 6 years of funding, but SAFETEA-LU authorizes 5 years of funding for continuing programs. A comparison of equivalent categories shows that funding under SAFETEA-LU has increased by 36%, which is roughly equivalent to the increase in total funding for highway programs. Also traced are new and expanded programs and the challenges and constraints that affect the research community.
Abstract