Congress extends surface transportation program funding

Johnson

The U.S. House of Representatives voted to extend funding for the surface transportation programs in response to the Sept. 30 expiration of the FAST Act.

The 30-day extension comes while the $1 trillion infrastructure bill, which received bipartisan support in the Senate, is still awaiting a vote in the House.

Michael Johnson, president and CEO of the National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association, says the extension offers only a short-term solution, and the passage of the Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act is what’s needed to truly improve the nation’s infrastructure, which received a C-minus grade earlier this year by American Society of Civil Engineers.

“Today’s short-term extension of our surface transportation systems is not the end of the line,” Johnson says. “Long-term infrastructure investment is what is needed and is an issue that is resoundingly supported by voters from coast to coast. A short-term extension exacerbates taxpayer costs and project delays around the country. States will not be able to plan for the long term, and thriving communities need the ability to depend on projects to attract businesses for investment opportunities.”

“To be clear, Congress must do the job they were elected to do,” Johnson adds. “Most in Congress won their office by campaigning on the need for infrastructure investment. It is inexcusable to have an infrastructure bill that was passed with a bipartisan, super majority in the Senate and is roundly supported by a majority of House members be held hostage for other political gains. We urge House members to do the responsible thing by representing the needs of their constituents – allow the Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act to pass and become law now.”

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