WASHINGTON — The Trump White House’s newfound backing of infrastructure grants managed by the U.S. Department of Transportation earned praise from the top transportation funding leader in the U.S. Senate.

Groups representing the construction and business sectors are ramping up their calls for congressional action on an infrastructure measure this year.

The prospects for a comprehensive infrastructure measure advancing this year might have improved after President Donald Trump declared the policy as capable of bringing Democrats and Republicans together.

Policymakers make their way back to Capitol Hill after a weeklong spring recess to continue to stitch together the provisions for a comprehensive infrastructure bill they want to pass by August.

Just 12% of the nation’s interstate road system is causing 89% of the trucking industry’s congestion problems, and repairs to the key choke points that cause delays could reap benefits in fuel consumption and emissions reductions, the American Transportation Research Institute said.

Speaking to reporters at a conference hosted by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials on Feb. 27, Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-Ore.) explained that his committee would most likely tackle infrastructure policy via two paths.

Kentucky, Vermont and Northeast Ohio received infrastructure report cards from the American Society of Civil Engineers, showing grades that were at or below average.

The window for an infrastructure bill in 2019 is only about four months, starting now, and closing quickly. Here's Capitol Agenda's look at the week ahead for trucking on Capitol Hill.

WASHINGTON — The trucking industry can serve as a testing ground for vehicle miles traveled programs, according to governors gathered to discuss infrastructure.

Transport Topics reporter Eugene Mulero was a guest on C-SPAN's Washington Journal program Feb. 15, discussing infrastructure funding and taking calls from viewers. Click here for a link to watch a replay of the interview.