Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy gathered members of Congress and infrastructure stakeholders for a meeting in Washington, D.C., to kick off federal highway funding program reauthorization.
“Our mission is to build as quickly and as much as possible,” he said. “We’re working through a historic backlog to make sure we can get money out the door to all of you to make sure these projects are moving. We want to streamline the rules and regulations around what you do as much as possible.”
National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (NSSGA) Interim CEO Michele Stanley participated in the event with Secretary Duffy. “It was a great first step in the process for the upcoming surface transportation reauthorization and we look forward to the ongoing partnership with DOT to secure robust funding for our nation’s infrastructure, in which aggregates play a critical role,” the association said.
Consistent with the department’s America is Building Again agenda, Secretary Duffy underscored these priorities for a successor legislation to Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act funding provisions expiring September 2026:
- Enhancing transportation safety, including bridges, safety for transportation workers and pedestrians, truck parking, and autonomous vehicles.
- Accelerating project delivery for transportation projects, including reforming the National Environmental Policy Act and permitting, enhancing One Federal Decision, and increasing the use of technology.
- Increasing opportunities through investment in transportation infrastructure that promotes economic growth, including through expanded capacity and mobility, congestion relief, and more private sector investment.
- Strengthening partnerships with states and other key stakeholders to improve transportation outcomes, including prioritizing the federal interest, greater efficiencies and research.
In a July 21 Federal Register notice, DOT declared a one-month public comment period, enabling stakeholders to provide input on federal transportation infrastructure policy informing the reauthorization process.
Comments can be submitted here.
