Environment and Public Works Committee leads highway bill to increase infrastructure investment

The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee recently approved a highway bill that could raise the funding for infrastructure investments; the bill, called the DRIVE Act, which would last for six years, would result in the addition of a program for freight projects and would be dedicated to states based on formula.

It would also serve to develop a new program for grants that are allocated to major projects, which would be chosen by the Federal Highway Administration and approved by Congress according to a project-by-project basis.

DRIVE would only pertain to the highway segment of any future highway and transit bill. There must still be transit and safety sections from other committees in the Senate. The committees would be required to agree on a solution for paying costs, financing action and similar authorization issues.

“Today our committee proudly took a step forward in advancing our nation's economic interests by unanimously passing the DRIVE Act, a six-year surface transportation bill," a statement said. "The time to act is now so that Congress can provide states and local communities with the certainty they deserve in rebuilding our roads and infrastructure. We will be working with Senate leadership to bring this bill to the Senate floor before the Highway Trust Fund expires at the end of July."