Davis sponsors bill to ramp up federal cost share of government-funded highway projects

U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-IL) on Oct. 2 sponsored legislation that would modify the federal government’s share of federally funded highway projects for the next two fiscal years.

“As we negotiate and debate another comprehensive COVID-19 relief package, we must absolutely include additional relief for state DOTs [departments of transportation] so we can continue to make investments in our nation’s infrastructure,” Rep. Davis said.

If enacted, the Highway Relief Act, H.R. 8510, would authorize the U.S. Secretary of Transportation to fund up to 100 percent of federally funded highway projects in FY 2021 and FY 2022, thereby waiving the state and local share of these projects, according to a bill summary provided by Rep. Davis’ office.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has put great financial strain on state government budgets, including state departments of transportation,” said Rep. Davis. “My legislation will protect and create new construction jobs and provide a much-needed cash infusion to ensure state highway projects continue as planned. This is just one of many ways the federal government can assist state DOTs.”

H.R. 8510 received an endorsement by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO).

“While having Congress provide much-needed direct federal funding to state departments of transportation is AASHTO’s top priority in any COVID relief bill, the ability to utilize 100 percent federal share for transportation projects is a critical policy provision to help manage state transportation revenues hit hard by the pandemic,” said AASHTO Executive Director Jim Tymon.