America’s FAST ACT

Understanding America’s FAST ACT

The Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act (often known as the "FAST Act"), which President Obama signed into law on December 4, 2015, is the first federal statute to guarantee long-term funding for surface transportation in more than ten years. 

The FAST Act grants $305 billion during the fiscal years 2016 through 2020 for the Department’s initiatives in rail, research, technology, and statistics, as well as public transportation, motor carrier safety, hazardous materials safety, and highway, highway and motor vehicle safety. 

Since it was enacted, States and local governments may now proceed with important transportation projects, like building new highways and transit lines, knowing that they will have a long-term partner from the federal government.

As Former Secretary Anthony Foxx put it, "It has been a long and bumpy trip to a long-term transportation bill after hundreds of Congressional meetings, two bus tours, visits to 43 states, and so much uncertainty – and 36 short term extensions.  Although there is still work to be done, it is the kind of bipartisan agreement I always felt was possible."

Why It Matters

As a one-stop shop for state and local governments to receive federal money, financing, or technical support, the FAST Act creates a new National Surface Transportation and Innovative Finance Bureau inside the Department.  

This advances the work of the Department’s Build America Transportation Investment Center and offers extra resources to enhance departmental collaboration in support of novel financing techniques.  In line with our desire to create a specific permitting office, the Bureau has been entrusted with the role of promoting efficiency in the permitting process.

The Act includes provisions aimed at improving tax administration and efficiency. These provisions may impact taxpayers indirectly by potentially enhancing taxpayer services, modernizing tax systems, or streamlining certain tax procedures.

It also has measures to enhance offshore tax compliance and reduce tax evasion. These provisions may impact taxpayers with offshore financial accounts or foreign income by imposing stricter reporting requirements and penalties for non-compliance.

If you or someone you are acquainted with requires assistance with tax relief, it is recommended to seek the guidance of a qualified professional. To arrange a complimentary consultation with Priority Tax Relief, please call 800-493-8308.