The Senate Environment and Public Works committee recently unanimously approved the bipartisan American Transportation Infrastructure Act (ATIA), which reauthorizes the federal-aid highway program for five years. Over the five years, the legislation will provide $287 billion in highway spending, which is a 27.7% increase over the current authorization and a 17% increase in the first year.
The ATIA takes steps to place greater attention on investing in resilient transportation projects, creates a new program to fund bridge construction and streamlines project delivery.
“A long-term transportation funding package is crucial to not only our industry but our country,” said NPCA President Ty Gable. “It’s encouraging to see the committee start to act now with both long-term funding and a meaningful increase, rather than a one-year extension. We will keep our members aware throughout the process and inform them of ways they can get involved with its passage.”
The current transportation authorization does not expire until the end of Fiscal Year 2020, but EPW Committee Chairman John Barrasso (R-WY) is advancing this legislation now in response to calls for an infrastructure package and to ensure the FAST Act is reauthorized prior to its expiration.
The legislation distributes more than 90%, or $259 billion, of its funding to states by formula.
If you have an opportunity to speak with your Senator while they are back in your state, we encourage you to urge their support of the ATIA. We will keep you informed on this meaningful legislation as it makes its way through the Senate.
Leave a Reply