U.S. Senators Tom Carper (D-Del.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.V.) have introduced America’s Transportation Infrastructure Act of 2019, the largest highway legislation in history. 

The bill authorizes US$ 287 billion over five years, including US$ 259 billion for formula programs to maintain and repair America’s roads and bridges. The total represents an increase of over 27 percent from FAST Act levels. The legislation includes provisions to improve road safety, streamline project delivery, protect the environment and grow the economy. The committee leaders agreed the legislation will be paid for.

Among other provisions, the legislation: 

• Authorizes US$ 287 billion in highway spending and is the most substantial highway legislation in history;
• Authorizes US$ 259 billion to be distributed to states by a formula;
• Codifies key tenets of the “One Federal Decision” policy to streamline project delivery and federal approvals;
• Establishes a program to support projects that will improve the resiliency of roads and bridges to natural disasters and extreme weather events; and
• Authorizes a mix of formula-based and grant-based programs to begin to reduce transportation-related emissions.

Carper and Barrasso serve as ranking member and chairman of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works (EPW). Cardin and Capito serve as ranking member and chairman of the EPW Subcommittee on Transportation and Infrastructure.