Last week, President Trump met with Democratic leaders from the House and Senate to discuss the nation’s infrastructure needs. A potential $2 trillion infrastructure spending package is in the works; with funding currently left undecided, which will be the subject of a follow-up meeting.
Both President Trump and Democratic leaders agreed that there is a great need for infrastructure maintenance and upgrades. While a number was agreed upon, specific projects and funding options were not discussed in detail. The President will propose options for funding at the next meeting scheduled for mid-May. The infrastructure agreement discussed at the White House also garnered support from a variety of organizations.
Rep. Peter DeFazio, D-Ore., chair of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, “Two trillion dollars is a significant federal investment that could make a real difference in communities across this country, whether we’re talking roads, bridges, and transit systems, or harbors, airports and wastewater systems, just to name a few areas that would get a real boost from a bipartisan deal,” DeFazio said. “I’m encouraged to hear the widespread agreement on the need to act on infrastructure – and to act soon.”
Jim Tymon, executive director of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, said “The people and businesses who rely on our nation’s multimodal transportation network understand that despite the best efforts of state departments of transportation and their local and regional counterparts, they cannot keep up with growing demand and a deepening backlog of maintenance.”
“Once enacted, these infrastructure improvements will cut commuting times, lower shipping costs, support new economic development projects and allow our businesses to remain globally competitive for years to come,” said Stephen Sandherr, CEO of the Associated General Contractors of America.
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