House Democrats have unveiled the framework of a five-year, $760 billion package aimed at increasing the safety, resiliency and efficiency of the nation’s infrastructure. However, not included were any specifics on how to pay for the plan, and it remains to be seen whether Democrats and Republicans will be able to reach an agreement during a presidential election year.
The framework calls for $329 billion for roads and bridges, $55 billion for passenger rail, $30 billion for airport investments and $50.5 billion for wastewater infrastructure. It also recommends ways to combat climate change by increasing the availability of electric charging stations and other options for electric and zero-emissions vehicles.
The current highway funding law, known as the FAST Act, is scheduled to expire on Sept. 30. If no agreement is reached, Congress will likely need to pass short-term extensions, thus “kicking the can” into 2021.
The plan also seeks a pilot program to test alternative transportation user fees, including a vehicle miles traveled (VMT) tax.
The lead developers of the House framework were Rep. Peter DeFazio of Oregon, chair of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee; Frank Pallone Jr. of New Jersey, chair of the Energy and Commerce Committee; and Richard Neal of Massachusetts, chair of the Ways and Means Committee.
“This is not just about fixing our roads and bridges. It is about seizing the opportunity to make transformational changes in communities of all sizes, in every corner of our country,” the three chairman said in a statement.
Neil also added a dose of reality to the situation, stating that it was unlikely Democrats would offer ideas on how to pay for an infrastructure package unless there was general consensus with the White House.
Last year, President Trump and Democrats were discussing the principals of a $2 trillion infrastructure plan, but the idea failed to gain serious momentum as the sides bickered over other political issues.
Still, the feedback from stakeholders was mostly positive, despite the political realities.
“We commend Speaker Pelosi and House leaders for their commitment to revitalizing American infrastructure,” said Chris Spear, president and CEO of American Trucking Associations. “Each additional day that we short our nation’s roads and bridges of needed funds, more lives are at put at risk, more hours of the day are lost sitting in traffic and more damage is done to the environment.”
He added: “We look forward to working with Congress and the Administration on a robust infrastructure package that restores our roads and bridges with a cost-effective, fiscally conservative and realistic funding solution in the near-term.”
Paul Hubler, chairman of the Coalition for America’s Gateways and Trade Corridors (CAGTC), applauded the framework for prioritizing “funding freight projects of national and regional significance as well as ensuring that freight projects across all modes are eligible for federal investment.”
“ITS America appreciates the committee’s leadership and supports congressional efforts that recognize the added value of integrating technology into transportation infrastructure and providing funding for the rapid deployment of technologies across the country,” said ITS America President and CEO Shailen Bhatt.
One day before the Democrats rolled out their plan, Sen. Deb Fischer (R-NE) stressed the need for legislation that will improve roadways across rural corridors during a Senate Subcommittee on Transportation and Safety hearing.
That same subcommittee has called another hearing for Feb. 4 titled “Keep on Truckin’: Stakeholder Perspectives on Trucking in America.”
ATA’s Spear is expected to appear, as is Lewie Pugh, executive vice president of the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association; Jake Parnell, director of the Livestock Marketing Association; Sgt. John Samis of Delaware, president of the Commercial Vehicle Safety Association; and Dawn King, president of the Truck Safety Coalition.
