CAGTC Members,
Today, the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation’s Subcommittee on Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Infrastructure, Safety and Security held a hearing titled “Rebuilding Infrastructure in America: State and Local Transportation Needs.” Witnesses included Mr. Kyle Schneweis, Director, Nebraska Department of Transportation; Mr. Dan Gilmartin, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer, Michigan Municipal League and Member of the National League of Cities; Mr. Jordan Kass, President, Managed Services, TMC Division, C.H. Robinson; and Ms. Jo Strang, Senior Vice President, Safety and Regulatory Policy, American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association. You can find a recording on the hearing online here and a summary of relevant conversation here.
Below, please find a few key takeaways from the hearing:
- Most of those at the hearing, both Senators and witnesses, acknowledged the Federal role in transportation investment and called for a partnership between all three levels of government: local, state, Federal.
- Senator Klobuchar (D-MN) specifically asked how the Federal government can help to ensure the efficient flow of freight across the multimodal transportation system. Both Mr. Schneweis and Ms. Strang emphasized that we must invest in all infrastructure, not just roads.
- Chairman Fischer asked about the Federal role in freight policy. Mr. Schneweis said that if there is any area where the Federal role is most clear, it is in freight infrastructure as it transcends borders. He said freight planning conversations, as well as focusing on the economic impact of projects, are essential.
- Chairman Fischer (R-NE) and Mr. Schneweis both applauded the permitting reform provisions included in the President’s infrastructure plan and called for more authority to be given to states and localities for the approval processes.
Thank you,
Katie Cross
Manager, Member Communications & Policy
Coalition for America’s Gateways and Trade Corridors
1625 K Street NW
Suite 1100
Washington, DC 20006
tradecorridors.org