COVID relief legislation includes key help for highways.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-WY), chairman of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works (EPW), helped secure the inclusion of funds for Wyoming’s highways in the COVID relief legislation. The legislation includes $10 billion for America’s highways. Wyoming will receive $64 million for road and bridge projects.
“The COVID pandemic has affected every part of our economy,” said Barrasso. “These additional highway funds will create jobs and help keep our economy moving. In Wyoming, our highways are essential to our success. This legislation will give the Wyoming Department of Transportation additional funds to complete important road and bridge projects across the state.”
Background Information:
On Sept. 30, 2020, Congress passed a one-year extension of highway funding. Barrasso insisted on a full-year extension in order to allow states and communities to better plan for highway projects.
On July 30, 2019, the EPW Committee unanimously advanced, S. 2302, America’s Transportation Infrastructure Act of 2019. The legislation was introduced by Barrasso and other members of the EPW Committee. The bill authorizes $287 billion over five years, including $259 billion for formula programs to maintain and repair America’s roads and bridges. ATIA includes provisions to codify key elements of President Trump’s “One Federal Decision” policy to streamline project delivery and federal approvals. The legislation also includes provisions to improve road safety, protect the environment, and grow the economy.
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