; (5) improved access to transportation alternatives; (6) implemented technological innovation to increase efficiency with regards to intermodal communication, energy consumption, information and communications technology, and personal mobility; (7) provided the public with access to real-time integrated traffic, transit, and multimodal transportation information to make informed travel decisions; (8) provided cost savings to transportation agencies, businesses, and the traveling public; (9) provided other benefits to transportation users and the general public; (10) reduced barriers to various essential services; and (11) utilized partnerships with the private sector. 6. Authorization of appropriations (a) In general There are authorized to be appropriated to the Department of Transportation $100,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2019 through 2023 to carry out this Act, of which— (1) 80 percent shall be used for SMART grants to large cities and mid-sized cities under paragraphs (1) and (2) of section 4(a); and (2) 20 percent shall be used for SMART grants to rural communities or regional partnerships under section 4(a)(3). (b) Availability Amounts appropriated for a fiscal year pursuant to this section shall be available for obligation during the 2-year period beginning on the first day of the fiscal year for which they were appropriated.