The International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association (IBTTA) said it recommends changes to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s policies including user-based funding and increases in investments into roads and bridges, among others.
The IBTTA made the recommendations in response to the US DOT’s request for ideas on “Advancing a Surface Transportation Proposal That Focuses on America’s Most Fundamental Infrastructure Needs.” IBTTA said the successor to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will provide the country with an opportunity to modernize the country’s roads, bridges and tunnels; strengthen the economy; and reinforce the federal commitment to infrastructure.
Without additional revenues from the federal Highway Trust Fund, which is projected by the Congressional Budget Office to face annual shortfalls of an estimated $20 billion starting in 2028, shortfalls are expected to rise to $241 billion by 2033. IBTTA said supplementing fuel tax revenues with user-based funding would help close that gap.
“Addressing the Highway Trust Fund challenge requires using every tool in the toolbox,” James Hofmann, president of IBTTA and executive director/CEO of North Texas Tollway Authority said. “User-based revenue models like tolling and road pricing are proven and dependable, and when combined with existing federal and state funding streams, they can provide the investment needed to maintain and improve the backbone of America’s economy.”
IBTTA’s recommendations include expanding investment and advancing innovative funding models through expanded flexibility for tolling and road pricing; enhancing federal investment in bridges and roadway safety’ streamlining project delivery; advancing alternatives to motor fuel taxes; accelerating deployment of connected vehicle technologies; and strengthening resilience programs.
“The reauthorization of the federal surface transportation programs is an opportunity to modernize America’s infrastructure through investment,” Mark Muriello, IBTTA vice president of policy and government affairs said. “The reality is that there are no free roads. New federal revenue sources are essential. By embracing user-based payments as a complement to existing federal funding, we can deliver safer, smarter and more reliable transportation systems that drive long-term economic growth.”