Renacci, Local Officials Talk Infrastructure Spending, Highway Trust Fund

Press Release

Rep. Jim Renacci (OH-16) today hosted a roundtable discussion on infrastructure spending with local elected officials and key stakeholders at the Carl B. Stokes U.S. Court House in Cleveland, OH. More than 20 participants discussed the challenges they face when it comes to local transportation projects, and their ideas for what Congress needs to do to address the Highway Trust Fund, which will run out of money in approximately 60 days.

"Last year, America's deteriorating roads cost drivers more than $67 billion in repairs and operating costs, or about $324 per driver," said Renacci. "Today's roundtable was informative as it emphasized just how important it is that we ensure infrastructure projects in Cleveland and around the country receive the certainty and necessary funding they need to move forward and keep our drivers safe."

Maintenance of our highway system falls jointly on the states and the federal government, with about 80 percent of highway funding coming from the federally administered Highway Trust Fund. Currently, the trust fund allocates about $50 billion annually to the states for upkeep of the system. This annual allotment has two major problems: we're spending about $16 billion more annually than the trust fund is bringing in, and we're not spending enough to keep our infrastructure from crumbling.

Former Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood stated, "It wasn't that long ago that the economic competitiveness of America's transportation infrastructure was ranked first in the world. Now our roads are essentially one big pothole and tens of thousands of bridges that millions of Americans drive across every day are in dire need of repair. It is past time for action. I want to commend Congressman Renacci for his leadership in working to identify a long-term solution to ensure that the funding source for our roads and bridges -- the Highway Trust Fund - remains solvent ."

"Maintenance and preservation of Ohio's transportation system is the department's number one priority and we are committed to protecting and preserving the investment that has been made over the years. ODOT is glad to have been invited to participate in this important conversation," stated Ohio Department of Transportation Director Jerry Wray.

North Royalton Mayor Bob Stefanik added, "We appreciate the fact Congressman Renacci is reaching out to local elected officials and working with us to explore possibilities and identify real solutions to our national infrastructure crisis."

"I will not pass on the liability of deteriorating roads and bridges to our children and grandchildren. We need to act now to fix the system," said Renacci. "That is why I am working on legislation that allows for the consideration of all viable options so that Congress can get serious about finding a long-term, sustainable solution for the Highway Trust Fund."

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