AASHTO Encouraged by Progress on Surface Transportation Reauthorization with BUILD America 250 Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The following is a statement from the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) on the BUILD America 250 Act, introduced this week by the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee:

"AASHTO commends the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee for embracing a bipartisan strategy in reauthorizing federal surface transportation programs through the introduction of the BUILD America 250 Act. Enacting this bill before the IIJA expires, especially in light of the nation's 250^th anniversary, is essential and a bipartisan acknowledgement of the need for maintaining the continuity and reliability of infrastructure projects and programs delivered by state departments of transportation," said AASHTO President Russell R. McMurry, P.E., commissioner of the Georgia Department of Transportation. "The BUILD America 250 Act reflects many of AASHTO's core policy principles such as streamlining programs with common objectives, enhancing the efficiency of environmental review and permitting processes to expedite project delivery, and upholding formula-based federal funding to states and other initiatives supported by the long-standing user pay model that supports the Highway Trust Fund."

"AASHTO stands ready to collaborate with both the House and the Senate as this critical legislation progresses. Our objective is to support these key issues, while ensuring that other priorities of state DOTs are addressed. We remain committed to supporting the enactment of a bill that enhances safety and mobility, strengthens the nation's economy, and improves quality of life for communities across the country."

-###-

The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials represents state departments of transportation in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. AASHTO is a nonprofit, nonpartisan association catalyzing excellence in transportation.