ATA, Transportation Groups Want More Funding in Highway Bill
American Trucking Associations joined 39 transportation groups this week in calling on congressional transportation leaders to boost federal investments for infrastructure projects in a multiyear highway bill.
They are pushing for greater funding, even if that means settling for a highway bill with an authorization less than what is under consideration.
“A reauthorization bill of less than six years' duration with significant highway and public transportation investment increases is far superior to a six-year bill with status quo funding levels,” the groups wrote.
They added, “As currently written, the proposed House investment levels would unfortunately fail to keep pace with the projected annual inflation increases. … Holding highway and public transportation investment at or below purchasing power levels will not create job growth, reduce traffic congestion or address the nation’s backlog of needed surface transportation infrastructure improvements.”
Policymakers are finalizing the terms of a six-year, $325 billion highway bill that, as it stands now, would be backed by about three years of funding. But in the cards is a proposal introduced by Rep. Randy Neugebauer (R-Texas) designed to identify extra funds to back a five-year highway bill. The boost would come from a reduction of dividends the Federal Reserve pays to certain member banks.
Congressional leaders intend to unveil a negotiated highway bill before Thanksgiving.
