The Federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009 is designed to stimulate the economy with "shovel ready" projects capable of creating jobs and improve infrastructure for future growth. Furthermore, the Obama Administration has stressed greater transparency so that the public can see where and how much money was spent on individual projects. Although the legislation provides 100% Federal funding without a state or local match, there are limitations reducing the number of transportation projects eligible for funding.

• Because the legislative intent is for projects capable to creating jobs in the near future, only "shovel ready" projects are preferred. Federal spending is divided equally into two phases: The first 50% of spending on Phase 1 projects must be on projects that can begin within 120 days (180 days for transit projects). The remaining 50% of spending under Phase 2 must be obligated within a year. Deadline is March 2, 2010.
  
  
• There are no waivers of environmental regulations for air quality conformity or National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) standards; thus, only projects with Federal environmental approval are eligible.
  
  
• The ARRA stimulus package spends $787 billion dollars out of which $35.9 billion or 4.6% of the overall package is devoted to the U.S. Department of Transportation. Georgia received $931 million for roads and bridges and $141 million for transit.