WASHINGTON — Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., is among senators who have cosponsored comprehensive legislation aimed at improving roadway infrastructure throughout the nation.
America’s Transportation Infrastructure Act of 2019, introduced Monday, was also sponsored by John Barrasso, R-Wyo., who serves as chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee; Environment and Public Works Ranking Member Tom Carper, D-Del.; and Ben Cardin, D-Md., who serves as Ranking Member of the committee’s Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee.
Capito serves as chairman of the Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee, according to a release from her office.
The legislation would authorize the distribution of $287 billion over a period of five years to be used in various infrastructure improvements for roads and bridges. Of that, $259 billion would be distributed to the states through a funding formula.
“Having safe, reliable infrastructure is critically important to so many aspects of our lives — from getting to and from work and school or traveling long distances to supporting commerce and driving economic growth,” Capito said. “Not only will this comprehensive, bipartisan legislation help us rebuild and repair America’s infrastructure system, but it will also help create new infrastructure opportunities now and for future generations.”
Other effects of the legislation, according to Capito, would include:
— Codifying key tenets of the “One Federal Decision” policy in order to streamline project delivery and federal approvals.
— Establishing a program to support projects that will improve the resiliency of roads and bridges against natural disasters and extreme weather events.
— Authorizing a mix of formula-based and grant-based programs to begin to reduce transportation-related emissions.
The legislation also includes provisions of three different bills introduced into the Senate last week by Capito. Each deals with infrastructure and economic development specifically in the Appalachian Region, including West Virginia.
“I’m proud of the work my colleagues and I have done on this legislation, especially several provisions I included in the bill to focus on rural states like West Virginia and to encourage development and improve infrastructure, including both surface and broadband infrastructure, in Appalachia,” Capito said. “I look forward to continuing our work together to advance this legislation — which I’m certain will help improve travel on roads, bridges and highways, as well as quality of life, for Americans across the country.”