Transportation Reauthorization Eliminates Barriers to Highway Improvements
Washington,
Oct 1, 2012 -
As the home to over 18 million people and two of the United States’ largest ports, Southern California’s roadways are a critical conduit for transporting billions of dollars worth of goods and services. Each year, traffic congestion costs the average commuter in Southern California $1,464 a year. On a national level, congestion costs our economy $67 billion in lost productivity and wasted motor fuel. The idle time spent in traffic increases transportation costs for U.S. businesses and robs drivers of time they could spend at home with their families.
Far too often, highway projects are needlessly delayed by bureaucratic red tape. Last year, I introduced the Breaking Down Barriers Act to expedite highway project delivery without compromising our nation’s environmental protections. I am pleased that many of these important streamlining reforms were included in the highway transportation reauthorization that was signed into law earlier this summer.
In order to cut through the red tape and ensure that highway projects are delivered on schedule, it is essential to allow states to take responsibility for complying with federal environmental laws and regulations. The highway reauthorization includes language from the Breaking Down Barriers Act to make permanent and expand to all states a pilot program that currently allows five states to take on the responsibility of complying with National Environmental Protection Act requirements for highway projects under the Federal Highway Administration. In California, the program shaved approximately 17 months off of the environmental review process and 30 months off of overall project delivery while retaining the integrity of current environmental regulations.
The highway reauthorization also includes other common sense changes to make highway project delivery more efficient. Agencies will now be allowed to move forward on highway design and construction activities prior to receiving grant funds, which current law already allows them to do on transit projects. To prevent the federal government from dragging its feet on crucial highway improvements, the highway bill also includes Breaking Down Barriers provisions that require federal agencies to establish deadlines for project approvals.
With the national debt approaching $16 trillion and economic growth slowing, it is more important than ever that we maximize every dollar spent on transportation improvements. These environmental streamlining measures will go a long way toward accelerating surface transportation project delivery at significant cost savings to taxpayers. As a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I will continue to work with my colleagues to promote policies that improve the efficiency, functionality, and safety of our nation’s transportation system.
Rep. Gary Miller represents California’s 42nd Congressional District.
