U.S. Senate Backs Highway Investment


Bill Would Reauthorize FAST Act

The U.S. Senate has new legislation funding of US$287 billion to improve the country’s road and bridge infrastructure.

The five-year reauthorization of the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act includes a proposed 27 percent increase in federal-aid highway programs.

“The [EPW proposal] is the most substantial highway infrastructure bill in history. The bill cuts Washington red tape, so road construction can get done faster, better, cheaper and smarter. It will help create jobs and support our strong, growing and healthy economy. Infrastructure is critical to our country and we should responsibly pay for this legislation,” said Sen. John Barrasso, R-WY, chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee.

The new legislation is expected to boost freight transport and breakbulk activity in the country and includes an increase in funding to US$5.5. billion for the Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) grant program for freight projects.
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