Transportation
Transportation is how we move. It’s how we get to and from work. It’s how local businesses ship their goods to the world market. Arguably more than any other issue, transportation and infrastructure have an every-day impact on our lives. It is critically important that we make smart investments in a 21st century infrastructure system that allows communities to grow and businesses to prosper.
A 21st Century Infrastructure System
On June 29, 2012 the House passed, with my support, H.R. 4348, the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century (MAP-21) Act by a vote of 373-52. The bill reauthorizes federal-aid highway programs for two years. While I would have liked to see a stronger commitment to developing our infrastructure at home, I am pleased that Congress passed a surface transportation bill that will support job growth through infrastructure investments. Smart, cost-effective infrastructure investments provide tremendous long-term economic benefits. Investing these funds to revamp our roads and bridges will create jobs at a time when many highly-skilled construction workers are out of work.
In 2014, the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee will work to reauthorize MAP-21. I look forward to working with my colleagues to develop a long-term bill that gives communities and businesses the stability and support they need to grow. As we work to develop the next transportation bill, I will work with local, state and business leaders to make sure this bill addresses the needs of southern Minnesota.
High-Speed Rail
I am a strong supporter of federal investment in high speed passenger rail because I believe it makes good economic sense. High speed rail projects create American jobs in the near term, and promote economic growth in the long term by connecting people and businesses. At the same time, because rail is so fuel efficient, expanding high speed rail can help reduce carbon emissions and our dependence on foreign oil imports.
Investing in rail, however, only make sense if Americans will use it. Which is why support from local communities and state governments are so important when driving high-speed rail projects. That is also why I believe that every decision we make to invest taxpayer dollars in rail projects must be supported by empirical data on projected ridership.
Recently, I joined a number of my colleagues in the House and Senate to establish a Congressional High Speed Rail Caucus. As co-chair of this caucus, I will continue to advocate for data-driven investment in the future of America’s transportation system and our economy.
More on Transportation
Washington, DC [7/15/15] – Today, Congressman Tim Walz (D-MN) released the following statement after voting in favor of a short-term highway bill extension, the only option Republican leadership put forward:
Washington, DC [2/24/15] – U.S. Reps. Tim Walz (D-MN), Ron Kind (D-WI), Chellie Pingree (D-ME), Sean Patrick Maloney (D-NY), Dan Lipinski (D-IL), and Cedric Richmond (D-LA) introduced the Railroad Emergency Services Preparedness, Operational Needs, and Safety Evaluation (RESPONSE) Act today, to help first responders in local communities in the event of a train derailment or fuel spill. A companion bill was introduced in the U.S. Senate by Senator Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND).
Washington, DC [2/19/15] – Today, Representative Tim Walz (D-MN) announced that he sent a letter to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to support a thorough environmental analysis of BNSF Railway’s proposed expansion project in La Crosse, WI along the Mississippi River. Walz is eager to improve safety and relieve rail congestion, as the BNSF expansion project is intended to provide. He also wants to be certain our natural state treasures are protected to ensure the next generation can enjoy the great outdoors as we do today.
New Ulm, MN [9/12/14] – Today, Representative Tim Walz toured New Ulm Quartzite and talked about ways to create opportunity and jobs for southern Minnesota, including through his all-American Energy and Infrastructure Act. Rep. Walz’s vision for changing the way Washington thinks about infrastructure and energy is simple: take the royalty payments for offshore drilling and invest them into clean energy and construction jobs that would rebuild our roads and bridges at home, like Highway 14 in New Ulm.
This year Walz took part in a short bike ride with students and outdoor enthusiasts prior to the potluck
Winona, MN [8/18/14]—Today, Representative Tim Walz—Ranking Member of the U.S. House Agriculture Subcommittee on Conservation, Energy, and Forestry—hosted the second annual Walz Conservation Potluck lunch with conservation leaders on the banks of the Mississippi in Winona. Prior to the potluck, Walz took part in a short bike ride with students and outdoor enthusiasts.
Water Resources Reform & Development Act (WRRDA) works to eradicate invasive carp and spur job creation and economic growth, increasing America’s competitiveness in the global market
U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) issued new Emergency Order and Safety Advisory to all railroads and shippers requiring additional safety precautions regarding the transport of Bakken crude
Washington, DC [5/7/14] – Today, Rep. Tim Walz applauded the U.S. Department of Transportation for issuing a new Emergency Order and Safety Advisory to all railroads and shippers requiring additional safety precautions regarding the transport of Bakken crude oil.
Brings together community leaders, first responders, and rail officials to talk rail and community safety
Waseca, MN [4/24/14] – Today, Rep. Tim Walz convened a meeting with local community leaders, first responders, and rail officials to discuss freight rail shipping safety. Walz is the only Member of Congress from Minnesota who sits on the Transportation Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials.
Irresponsible Ryan budget would end the Medicare guarantee for seniors, decimate our ability to repair our crumbling roads and bridges, gut funding for scientific research, provide tax incentives to ship American jobs overseas, and give tax breaks to millionaires and the ultra-rich
Washington, DC [4/4/14] – Today, Representative Tim Walz (D-MN) released the following statement on the reckless and irresponsible budget released by Budget Chairman Paul Ryan earlier this week.
Washington, DC [3/22/14] – Today, Representative Tim Walz announced that his bipartisan Home Heating Emergency Assistance Through Transportation (HHEATT) Act, which passed the House of Representatives at the beginning of this month, was signed into law by the President. Walz joined Transportation Committee Chairman Rep.