Bipartisan Bill Seeks to Enhance State Transportation Flexibility

Strategic Insights -

Congresswomen Harriet Hageman and Dina Titus have introduced the Highway Funding Transferability Improvement Act, a bipartisan bill aimed at providing state Departments of Transportation (DOTs) with greater flexibility in managing federal highway funds. The bill seeks to increase the transferability cap from 50% to 75%, allowing states to better prioritize and allocate resources to meet their unique transportation needs.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Highway Funding Transferability Improvement Act aims to enhance state transportation flexibility by increasing the transferability cap from 50% to 75%.
  • The bill would empower states to shift a greater share of funds between programs, enabling them to respond to pressing infrastructure challenges with agility and efficiency.
  • The legislation has earned the endorsement of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), which represents state DOTs across the country.
  • A companion bill has already been introduced in the Senate by Senators Kevin Cramer and Angela Alsobrooks.
  • The Highway Funding Transferability Improvement Act would provide states with the flexibility to prioritize and allocate resources to meet their unique transportation needs, improving safety, reducing congestion, and enhancing economic competitiveness.

Statistics:

  • Approximately 90% of federal highway funding is currently distributed to states through a complex set of formula-based programs.
  • The National Highway Performance Program, Surface Transportation Block Grant Program, Highway Safety Improvement Program, and others, account for the majority of federal highway funding.
  • 75% of states may transfer funds from one formula program to another under the proposed legislation.
  • The Highway Funding Transferability Improvement Act aims to enhance state transportation flexibility by allowing states to shift a greater share of funds between programs.

Sources:

  • United States House of Representatives
  • Congresswoman Harriet Hageman (WY-AL)
  • Congresswoman Dina Titus (NV-01)
  • AASHTO Executive Director Tim Tymon
  • WYDOT Director Darin Westby
  • Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND)
  • Senator Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD)