U.S. Sens. Tom Carper (D-DE) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), the chair and ranking member of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, respectively, Wednesday applauded the committee’s unanimous passage of the Surface Transportation Reauthorization Act (STRA).
The legislation would grow federal highway investment by $11.2 billion, or 34 percent, to $58.3 billion.
“I’m proud that we’ve advanced a robust, bipartisan investment in our nation’s highways, roads, and bridges that will make a vital first down payment on President Biden’s American Jobs Plan,” Carper said. “This legislation is an important first step in the critical work needed to upgrade our nation’s infrastructure in a way that creates jobs, combats climate change, and lifts up all Americans for a brighter future.”
The bill also included provisions to codify former President Donald Trump’s “One Federal Decision” executive order that includes a goal of two years for major project reviews and a 200-page limit for environmental documents. Additionally, the bill would establish a performance measure for greenhouse gas emissions from transportation projects; direct the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Environmental Protection Agency to develop data to be used in implementing that standard; and provide dedicated funding to build out electric vehicle charging systems and expand current programs to support climate change mitigation activities and resiliency to natural disasters.
“The EPW Committee is setting the standard for bipartisan leadership in the Senate,” Capito said. “The Surface Transportation Reauthorization Act is the product of months of good-faith negotiations with a lot of back and forth. The quality of the bill and today’s overwhelmingly bipartisan vote are a testament to the care, time, and effort of both Republicans and Democrats. STRA takes meaningful steps to repair our country’s crumbling roads and bridges, creates jobs, simplifies the permitting process, and expands the climate title. The bill is flexible to states’ unique needs and responsive to the urgent need for investment.”
Additionally, of the 90 introduced, the legislation also included 19 amendments that the committee felt would ensure passage of the bill.
The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) previously said the country’s roads needed work, giving them a D in its 2021 Infrastructure Report Card.
“We are at a critical moment in time and have before us a historic opportunity for bipartisan legislation that can modernize our surface transportation network, safeguard drinking water systems, repair high-hazard dams, connect the grid to renewables, and prepare communities to be more resilient in the face of a rapidly changing climate,” ASCE Executive Director Tom Smith said. “With momentum building towards significant, impactful infrastructure legislation, ASCE believes it is paramount that the Biden administration and members of Congress continue to advance the infrastructure components of an economic recovery package until a bill is finalized. Congress must not miss the opportunity to deliver on legislation that could generate jobs, keep Americans safe, and guide the nation towards economic recovery.”
The American Road and Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA) applauded the bill’s passage.
“By authorizing $303.5 billion in highway and bridge improvements, a 34 percent investment boost, STRA would facilitate immediate and long-term economic growth as the nation recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic,” ARTBA President and CEO David Bauer said in a statement. “States would be empowered to deliver a broad mix of transportation solutions through the proven effectiveness of formula programs. Furthermore, the measure includes important environmental review and approval process reforms that would accelerate the delivery of needed mobility and safety enhancements. The bipartisan consensus shown by the STRA’s introduction indicates transportation infrastructure policy remains an area that can bring both sides to the table on shared priorities.”
Congress has until Sept. 31, 2021, to reauthorize the Surface Transportation Act. The previous Surface Transportation Act, passed in 2015, expired on Sept. 31, 2020. Prior to its expiration last year, Congress passed a one-year extension.