Here are five questions we asked lawmakers, state officials and transportation experts to learn what direction the next multiyear transportation bill might take. Multiyear funding for surface transportation began with the 1978 Surface Transportation Assistance Act. The Highway Trust Fund was the source of 46% of the IIJA’s transportation funding over five years. The IIJA and previous surface transportation authorizations provided transportation funding through formula funds and competitive grants. The surface transportation bill, which must pass no later than Sept. 30, will come as midterm elections loom in November.