The funds are aimed at a battery of transportation needs including congestion relief, freight traffic accommodations and alternative fuels infrastructure.

His peak legislative impact came from 1995 through 2001 when he chaired the "House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, during which time he shepherded the landmark TEA-21 bill that authorized $198 billion over six years for highway and transit programs.

Grant funding for the technology-related programs will total approximately $800 million over five years.

Multiyear plan has a $579-billion increase spread over various sectors but legislation is far from final.

Measure also includes funds for water resources, school HVAC, transit, airports and state highways

Agency already had projected a two-year revenue loss of $3 billion.

Safety, streamlined project permitting and technology are key priorities for the U.S. Dept. of Transportation in 2020.