• provides for the sub-allocation of some funds to metropolitan areas and to other areas of a state based on population; and

• increases funding for TIFIA (Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act) from $122 million a year to $1 billion a year. The Senate plan also increases the maximum share of project costs from 33 to 49 percent and allows TIFIA loans to be used to support a program of projects. And it allows upfront commitment of future TIFIA program dollars through the use of master credit agreements.

There are also several provisions to reduce project delivery time and cost, including expanding the use of innovative contracting methods, reducing red tape for projects “with no significant environmental impact,” encouraging early coordination between relevant agencies to avoid delays and incentives for speeding up delivery decisions.