Rep. McBride Introduces Legislation to Deliver More Federal Investment in Delaware’s Roads, Bridges, and Highways

WASHINGTON, DC - Delaware's Congresswoman Sarah McBride (D-Del.), alongside Rep. Chris Pappas (D-N.H.), helped introduce the Highway Fair Share Act, legislation that would require all states to receive at least 0.5% of the total apportionment of federal highway formula funds. These funds are used across the country to modernize and improve surface transportation infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and highways that connect people nationwide. Because of the way the current formula is written, Delaware continues to be one of the least-funded states under this program-and this bill would help ensure Delaware receives its fair share.

"Our transportation infrastructure connects us to work, family, health care, and each other-and it needs to be strengthened to meet our growing needs," said Rep. McBride. "When I came to Congress, I said I'd work to make sure Delaware gets its fair share of federal investment. Right now, a flawed formula is shortchanging our state-and that needs to change. I'm proud to join my colleagues in introducing this legislation to fix it."

An April 2026 report on Delaware found that 36% of the state's major roads were found to be in poor or mediocre condition. Infrastructure is not a one-time cost, and ensuring states have the resources to maintain and improve federally eligible roads ultimately reduces costs for drivers.

The Highway Fair Share Act would establish a fourth guarantee for highway formula funding, requiring that each state receive at least 0.5% of the total apportionment. The bill would not reduce funding for other states, as the existing guarantees would remain in place. The formula was last significantly updated in 2012, and funding levels in subsequent years have been based on that framework. This legislation would help address Delaware's funding gap by establishing a 0.5% minimum apportionment for all states, ensuring more equitable funding moving forward.

"Federal investment plays a critical role in keeping Delaware's transportation system safe and efficient," said Delaware Department of Transportation Secretary Hastings. "Updating the highway funding formula would help states like ours better address infrastructure needs and continue improving safety and mobility for all Delawareans. We thank Congresswoman McBride for introducing this important legislation."

Multi-year reauthorizations of our nation's surface transportation programs provide states with the long-term certainty they need to plan and execute critical infrastructure projects. The most recent reauthorization was included in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which expires on September 30, 2026. The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee is responsible for crafting the next reauthorization before the current law lapses. Rep. McBride will continue advocating for policies that ensure Delaware receives its fair share of federal transportation funding.

The full text of the bill can be found here.

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