Preparing for the Upcoming Surface Transportation Reauthorization: Early Considerations for Stakeholders

The surface transportation reauthorization bill is poised to be a landmark piece of legislation, shaping the future of U.S. infrastructure for years to come. As discussions ramp up in this year, stakeholders must understand the scale and significance of the bill, and proactively engage in the legislative process.

Surface reauthorization is essential for the continued development and maintenance of the nation's transportation infrastructure. It dictates funding allocations, local project priorities, and policy directions for highways, bridges, public transit, and freight systems. Without timely reauthorization, federal funding could lapse, halting critical projects and disrupting long-term planning.

Key structural provisions in previous bills include:

Increased Funding: Past surface reauthorizations have included tens of billions of dollars for transportation programs, addressing the growing needs of infrastructure maintenance and development. Most recent reauthorization, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), provided $550 billion over in new Federal investment in infrastructure, including in roads, bridges, and mass transit, water infrastructure, resilience, and broadband.

Focus on Innovation: Transportation policy has always bred innovation, especially for incorporating emerging technologies and innovative practices to improve systems efficiency and safety. IIJA offered billions for research, automated vehicle safety testing, clean energy development, and more.

Regulatory Reform: The relatively long gaps between surface reauthorizations (roughly 5 years) often produce long wish lists of changes for things like permitting and environmental reviews.

Implications

Various categories of stakeholders stand to be directly impacted by the reauthorization:

State and Local Governments: With increased funding and flexibility, local authorities can prioritize projects that align with community needs and economic goals.

Transportation Agencies: Agencies will need to adapt to new funding structures and reporting requirements, ensuring compliance and effective use of resources.

Private Sector Partners: Contractors, engineers, and technology providers will encounter new opportunities for collaboration, particularly in areas like smart infrastructure and sustainable construction practices.

Environmental and Community Advocates: Groups focused on sustainability and public health can influence the integration of green technologies and equitable transportation solutions.

Strategies

To effectively navigate the reauthorization process, stakeholders should consider the following strategies:

Stay Informed: Regularly monitor legislative developments and committee discussions related to the bill. Understanding the evolving landscape will enable stakeholders to anticipate changes and respond quickly.

Engage in Advocacy: Submit stakeholder requests, attend hearings, and collaborate with industry associations to voice support or concerns regarding specific provisions of the bill.

Assess Organizational Impact: Evaluate how proposed changes will affect current projects, funding streams, and long-term planning efforts. This assessment will help in adjusting strategies and operations accordingly.

Foster Partnerships: Build coalitions with other stakeholders, including local governments, private sector entities, and advocacy groups. Unified efforts can amplify influence and lead to more comprehensive solutions.

Prepare for Implementation: Begin aligning internal processes and systems with anticipated changes. This proactive approach will facilitate smoother transitions once the bill is enacted.

The next surface transportation reauthorization bill will shape the state of our nation’s infrastructure for years to come. By understanding its significance and preparing strategically, stakeholders can ensure that the legislation serves the best interests of their communities and contributes to a more efficient, sustainable, and equitable transportation system. Active participation and foresight will be key in shaping the future of U.S. transportation infrastructure.

For more in-depth information on what to consider as surface reauthorization efforts ramp up, register for tomorrow’s webinar on Navigating the Next Surface Transportation Bill.