$325 billion transportation bill may see floor vote

A bill to spend $325 billion on nationwide transportation projects is now headed to the House Rules Committee and may see a floor vote in the coming days.

The Surface Transportation Reauthorization and Reform Act of 2015 is billed as a bipartisan, multi-year bill that will reform federal highways, transit and highway safety programs. U.S. Rep. Sam Graves (R-MO) is the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit. He told Ripon Advance this bill could have a large impact on the people he represents.

“In Missouri, we have over 35,000 highway miles and 10,000 roadway bridges that need our attention. Our roads are well overdue for repair, and many of Missouri’s bridges will soon need to be rebuilt or replaced altogether,” Graves said in an exclusive statement to the Ripon Advance. “A long-term bill will give our state the certainty it needs to plan the infrastructure improvements we so desperately need.”

The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee approved the bill last week.

“The Committee’s overwhelming approval of the STRR Act today is a positive step forward for our nation’s transportation system and our economy,” Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Bill Shuster (R-PA) said. “I look forward to House action on the bill and going to conference with the Senate as soon as possible.”

In Missouri alone, there are more than 10,000 bridges that need to be repaired. When those bridges are closed for maintenance, it takes a toll on commuters. Still, having the money to make permanent repairs would make life easier in the long run for those who travel to work.

“A great example of this is the Champ Clark Bridge connecting Missouri and Illinois over Highway 54,” Graves said. “It is one of only three bridges connecting Missouri and Illinois north of St. Louis, and it is hugely important for everyone who lives in that area. So when it has to close for any reason, which has occurred a lot over the past few years due to flooding or construction, people have to take a 78-mile detour to the next-closest bridge just to get to work every morning.” 

The Department of Transportation recently announced a $10 million grant to Missouri and Illinois for a replacement bridge, but Graves says it’s examples like these that show just how much states need help fixing transportation problems.

“That’s what a long-term highway bill means to Missouri — and what it means to communities across the United States,” Graves said.