Oberstar Wants 57% Boost in Highway Spending
A key congressman wants to boost federal highway spending by 57% and set a six-year plan for such spending, a strategy at odds with Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, who is seeking a shorter, 18-month extension of highway funding.
The U.S. should boost its highway and transit spending to $450 billion in the next six years, said Rep. James Oberstar (D-Minn.) chairman of the House Transportation Committee, Bloomberg reported.
Oberstar told reporters he plans to propose legislation for the increase, from the current $286.5 billion level, Bloomberg reported. Authority to spend from the highway trust fund for transportation maintenance and construction expires Sept. 30.
He said no decisions have been made on how to pay for the proposed gains, as fuel-saving cars and declines in driving have reduced gasoline-tax revenue to feed the highway trust fund, Bloomberg reported.
His call for a six- year bill differs with a request Wednesday from LaHood, who asked lawmakers for an 18-month reauthorization to replenish the fund, saying it may run out of money in August.
“With the reality of our fiscal environment and the critical demand to address our infrastructure investments in a smarter, more focused approach, we should not rush legislation,” LaHood said.
“We should work together on a full reauthorization that best meets the demands of the country. The first step is making sure that the Highway Trust Fund is solvent. The next step is addressing our transportation priorities over the long term,” he said in a statement.
