Issue Position: Transportation and Infrastructure

Issue Position

As a longstanding member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and now its top Democratic member, I am working hard to help build and repair our highways and bridges, improve and modernize our airports, and provide critical water and sewer systems and flood control projects throughout West Virginia and our Nation.

Highways, Aviation, Waterways

I have been a key architect in the formulation of every Federal highway bill since coming to Congress, including the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 (ISTEA), the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21), and the Surface, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU).

I recognize that a safe and modern highway transportation system is one of the most fundamental public services that a government can provide its people. Appalachia's mountainous terrain has made road building difficult and expensive, leaving rural communities at an economic disadvantage. My work to build better roads and safer bridges has helped to expand existing businesses and attract new job opportunities, and keep future generations of West Virginians in their home state, building careers and raising their families.

In addition, I have been successful in maintaining critical Federal aviation investments through the Essential Air Service program, which supports air service between four West Virginia communities, including Beckley, and major airline hubs, giving West Virginians timely access to destinations throughout the United States and around the globe. Likewise, my position on the Committee has enabled me to channel investments into our Nation's ports, navigable waterways, rail and highway intermodal facilities, as well as transportation-related research, to bolster long-term economic growth and create jobs.

Water and Sewer

Among the agencies that fall under its vast jurisdiction, the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee oversees the Economic Development Administration (EDA), the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, agencies that I have long supported. These agencies provide immense benefit to the Nation and to West Virginia, where communities have long relied on their programs for funding to construct modern, reliable infrastructure to address multiple needs.

My support of the ARC and EDA has led to cleaner drinking water and modern wastewater management systems in communities throughout southern West Virginia. These kinds of improvements create thousands of jobs during the construction phase, leverage billions of dollars in private-sector investment, and help to ensure a solid foundation for business development.

One of my proudest successes has been the establishment of the Southern West Virginia Infrastructure Program, which employs the expertise of the Corps of Engineers. Tapping into the resources of the Corps, this program has helped to fund needed water and wastewater projects throughout Southern West Virginia, bringing cleaner, safer water to families and businesses all across the region.

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