Lawmakers Seek Industry Input on Infrastructure Plan
Missouri’s chief of transportation will join manufacturing and construction executives to share their perspective with House lawmakers this week about infrastructure projects in need of funding.
The Highways and Transit Subcommittee on Oct. 11 will host Patrick McKenna, the director of the Missouri Department of Transportation who will be testifying on behalf of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials.
Joining him at the hearing will be James Roberts, president and CEO of Granite Construction, who will represent the Transportation Construction Coalition; and Ray McCarty, president and CEO of Associated Industries of Missouri. McCarty will appear on behalf of the National Association of Manufacturers.
Transportation authorizers have been adamant about advancing a long-term infrastructure measure during this Congress. Lawmakers say their objective will be to ensure the smooth mobility of commercial and passenger vehicles over the next decades.
“Our nation’s transportation infrastructure will need to keep pace with anticipated increases in population and demand for freight transportation,” according to background the subcommittee provided. “The movement of freight is expected to increase by 40% over the next 30 years. U.S. trade volume is expected to double by the year 2021, and double again by the year 2030. In terms of highway usage, vehicle miles traveled are projected to increase by nearly 20% by 2035.”
The Trump administration has indicated it will propose $200 billion in direct federal funding as a way of incentivizing $800 billion in private investments. The plan is expected to be unveiled this fall. Republican leaders say they will await Trump’s proposal before proceeding with marking up legislation.
