FTA released funding recommendations for transit projects under appropriations for the next fiscal year.  FTA has recommended a total of $1.560 billion for allocation to existing or proposed New Starts full funding grant agreements.  A total of $199.6 million is recommended for allocation to proposed Small Starts projects.  An additional $44.6 million in unallocated funding is proposed for other New or Small Starts eligible purposes.  The budget proposal also includes a 1.0 percent set-aside for management and oversight in the amount of $18.2 million.

These programs are part of the Major Capital Investment Grant Program provisions of 49 USC 5309, most recently reauthorized in August 2005 by the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEALU).  New Starts projects are those whose sponsors are requesting $75 million or more in New Starts funds, or anticipating a total capital cost of $250 million or more (49 USC 5309(d)). Small Starts projects are those whose sponsors are requesting less than $75 million in Small Starts funds and anticipating a total capital cost of less than $250 million (49 USC 5309(e)).  FTA awards grants under the New Starts and Small Starts program through a competitive application process.