Bill calls for increased local say in transportation funding

U.S. Reps. Rodney Davis (R-IL) and Dina Titus (D-NV) introduced the Innovation in Surface Transportation Act on Wednesday, a bill that will give local communities a stronger voice in how federal transportation dollars are spent.  

“The Innovation in Surface Transportation Act will give our rural communities and smaller cities like Springfield, Bloomington-Normal, Champaign, and Decatur in my district, a greater say in how federal transportation dollars are spent,” Davis said. “Too often important projects in these areas are overlooked and fail to receive their fair share of funding. This bill will also help our transportation dollars go further by encouraging public-private partnerships and creating more transparency.”

The legislation directs states to create an in-state, competitive grant program. The program will have a panel composed of representatives from state transportation departments, planning organizations, local governments, and other transportation and economic stakeholders choose projects that will receive funding from established federal transportation programs.

“It is essential that our local communities have a seat at the table when these critical decisions are made,” Titus said. “In Las Vegas, and cities across the country, the ability to move people and goods safely and efficiently is critical to all aspects of our economy. Empowering major businesses, travel and tourism authorities, and local entities as part of the process will ensure that projects reflect the economic development priorities in our communities.”