Congress cannot seem to agree on many issues lately, but there is a growing sense of alignment when it comes to bipartisan support for a highway and transit bill.
According to the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) both sides of Congress may be inching closer to a consensus on the need to provide federal funding for sufficient and long-term funding for transportation.
“There’s a growing awareness on Capitol Hill and in Washington D.C. – from the White House to both sides of Congress – for a long-term transportation funding solution,” John Cox, AASHTO’s president and director of the Wyoming Department of Transportation, said during a speech at the group’s annual Washington Briefing meeting held in the Washington D.C.
The release of a bipartisan Congressional letter by nearly 300 House of Representatives also points out “overwhelming bipartisan support for legislative action,” and calls for action on funding nationwide transportation improvements.
“The key players are aligned on transportation and a critical mass is growing – and that’s absolutely vital,” Cox explained. “Some states rely on federal funding for over 70% of their transportation needs. My state, Wyoming, depends on federal funding for 68% of our highway needs.”
Signs of congressional alignment are coming just in time, considering Congress has until May to replenish the Highway Trust Fund (HTF).
