Problem Solvers Caucus recommends bipartisan solutions to tackle infrastructure challenges

Under the leadership of Rep. Tom Reed (R-NY) and Rep. John Katko (R-NY), the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus on Wednesday issued its recommendations for rebuilding faltering U.S. infrastructure.

“It’s always better for the country when we act together,” said Reed, caucus co-chair. “The bipartisan policy solutions we’ve delivered provide Congress the building blocks necessary to craft a comprehensive infrastructure plan that both parties can agree to.”

The Problem Solvers Caucus Infrastructure Working Group developed the infrastructure plan as a bipartisan concept with input from more than 100 stakeholder groups, the Trump administration, and congressional leaders, according to the report that was spearheaded by Katko, who served as co-chair of the working group with Rep. Elizabeth Esty (D-CT).

The comprehensive plan encompasses not only the complexities of transportation, involving bridges, roads, highways, transit, railways, ports and airports, but also water and sewer systems, the power grid and energy systems, and broadband service and communications networks.

The working group’s report comes ahead of the release of President Donald Trump’s highly anticipated infrastructure plan, expected to be unveiled in the coming weeks.

Katko said that with the new report, “We’ve signaled to President Trump, as well as leaders on both sides of the aisle in the House and Senate, that we are ready to work in a bipartisan manner move our nation’s infrastructure forward.”

The report notes that as a result of years of underinvestment and deferred maintenance, the nation’s infrastructure has failed to keep pace with other countries. “By some estimates, the funding gap may be as high as $2 trillion by 2025 across all sectors of American infrastructure,” the Congressmen wrote.

The lawmakers focused on a variety of solutions to building an infrastructure network for the 21st century, including modernizing existing user fees, encouraging public private partnerships and expanding tax-advantaged infrastructure financing options.

Katko noted the crumbling infrastructure in Central New York and also across the country. “Bridges, roads, and ports have fallen into disrepair and states and local municipalities are not able to plan for the long-term,” he said.

Caucus Co-Chair Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) also spoke to the critical need for infrastructure rebuilding. “Today, one-third of the bridges and tunnels in New Jersey are considered unsafe, and we have the eighth worst roads in the country. Too many of our pipes are filled with lead; many of our residents have no access to broadband, at all.”

Rep. Esty said that earlier U.S. infrastructure investments “created millions of jobs, led to unprecedented mobility and innovation, and established America as the envy of the world.” She added, “Today, millions of Americans see aging airports and rightly wonder if we’re still capable of tackling the toughest challenges our country faces in a bold, bipartisan manner.

Reps. Adam Kinzinger (R-IL), Ryan Costello (R-PA), Fred Upton (R-MI), Patrick Meehan (R-PA) and Carlos Curbelo (R-FL) also serve on the 48-member caucus.