Members of the National Governors Association’s Economic Development and Revitalization Task Force are urging Congress to pass the bipartisan surface transportation reauthorization bill.
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear and South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster, co-chairs of the task force, sent a letter to Congressional leaders outlining state and territory transportation and requesting that Congress pass the bill that upholds a strong state-federal-territorial partnership.
“Governors have consistently worked closely with Congress on surface transportation and have been at the forefront of implementing these investments,” the letter said. “We have seen the value of federal transportation funding in our communities and understand how additional Congressional action could address continued challenges with project delivery.”
The letter noted that the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act made significant investments in improving American infrastructure, but that inflation has increased costs and decreased purchasing power. The U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics estimated the IIJA’s purchasing power had decreased by 31 percent because of inflation. Even with the IIJA’s investment, the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) projects there will be a $1.2 trillion shortfall through 2033 to maintain roads in a state of good repair.
The governors asked Congress to set topline funding for surface transportation at IIJA levels or higher, and to continue investment levels across all modes of transportation. Additionally, the letter requested the federal government maintain funding levels even if program distribution changes, and to address the shortfall to the Highway Trust Fund while continuing to fund innovation.
“States and territories are also responsible for setting transportation performance management standards for safety, bridge condition, pavement condition, and travel time,” the letter said. “We rely on federal support and creative policymaking at all levels to achieve these critical standards of safety and reliability that save lives, support local economies, and protect our national security.