Transportation Industry Urges Long-Term Funding Solution as December Deadline Looms

A temporary funding measure has kept federal transportation programs moving, but industry organizations warn the nation’s infrastructure needs more than a short-term fix.

The National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (NSSGA) and the Transportation Construction Coalition (TCC) join other associations in urging Congress to advance a multi-year surface transportation reauthorization after passing a continuing resolution that extends most federal surface transportation programs through Dec. 11.

The continuing resolution (H.R. 6500), signed by President Trump after passing the Senate on Aug. 8 and the House of Representatives on Sept. 1, prevents an immediate lapse in federal transportation funding. However, TCC cautioned that the measure leaves transportation agencies uncertain about future federal commitments and does not restore advance appropriations provided under the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act for programs including Safe Streets and Roads for All, the National Infrastructure Project Assistance Program (MEGA), and the Bridge Formula Program.

“Congress took an important step by preventing an immediate funding lapse, but this short-term extension does not provide the long-term certainty states and communities need,” the Transportation Construction Coalition said. “Short-term extensions make it more difficult to plan and advance transportation projects that would improve safety, reduce congestion, and modernize outdated infrastructure. Americans can already see the real-world consequences of those delays every day. Congress should act before the new December deadline to provide long-term transportation funding and keep critical transportation projects moving.”

TCC also pointed to public concerns about the condition of the nation’s transportation infrastructure, citing a July nationwide survey by Morning Consult and the Associated General Contractors of America that found that nearly one-third of Americans have suffered vehicle damage because of potholes or poor road surfaces, while 43% rated traffic congestion in their community as “poor” or “very poor.” A separate June survey from Narrative Strategies and The 535 found that 86% of voters considered delays in bridge safety repairs a serious problem, while 80% expressed concern about delays in road upgrades. More than half of respondents, 51%, reported being aware of major road, bridge, or transportation projects that had been delayed.

NSSGA President and CEO Michele Stanley echoed TCC’s concerns, emphasizing the importance of long-term funding for infrastructure investment, economic growth, and the aggregates industry. The association has specifically called for congressional consideration of the BUILD America 250 Act, which passed the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee with broad bipartisan support.

“We appreciate the House also passing a short-term funding extension that also continues surface transportation authorizations until Dec. 11,” Stanley said. “However, our country needs a long-term surface transportation reauthorization bill. [The BUILD America 250 Act] delivers key investments for our nation’s infrastructure network. It will create new job opportunities for men and women in the aggregates industry. Now, it needs to be considered on the House floor, and the Senate needs to release companion text.”

The aggregates industry relies on a steady pipeline of infrastructure projects, making the prospect of prolonged funding uncertainty a concern for producers, contractors, and communities alike. Stanley said NSSGA members will advocate in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 22 for a robust reauthorization bill “to help create safe, durable roads that support the nation’s transportation demands and economic growth,” and that “without a long-term funding solution, infrastructure projects across the U.S. will slow,” devastating local economies.

As the December deadline approaches, TCC and NSSGA urge Congress to move past temporary extensions and establish a long-term funding framework that supports infrastructure planning, strengthens the nation’s transportation network, and provides stability for the industries responsible for building it.