Woodall Talks Transportation with Community Leaders

Press Release

This week, U.S. Representative Rob Woodall, the senior Georgia member on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, participated in a roundtable discussion with the Georgia Transportation Alliance and members of the Gwinnett County Chamber of Commerce to highlight transportation priorities for the state and region. Rep. Woodall was joined by fellow Transportation and Infrastructure Committee member Rep. Drew Ferguson (GA 03), and the two provided legislative updates, as well as answered questions from those in attendance.

"When we talk in Washington about the importance of keeping both dollars and decision-making at the local level, our voice is made stronger by the fact that we have proven success here at home -- and that's because of people like those in this room," said Woodall. "From Gwinnett County Commission Chairwoman Nash, to those leading the robust partnership at the Georgia Transportation Alliance, to our local business community, there is a credibility in our part of the world that makes those in Washington on both sides of the aisle pay attention."

With transportation and infrastructure being at the top of the priority list for many in Gwinnett County and throughout metro Atlanta, discussion topics ranged from ensuring the long-term solvency of the Highway Trust Fund, protecting crucial water resources, to incorporating adequate public transportation for the region moving forward. Referencing recent legislative accomplishments in Washington, Woodall expressed the importance of a Georgia Delegation that is remarkably united on this issue irrespective of differences on other policies.

"Whether it's the transformative long-term surface transportation bill (FAST Act) being signed into law in 2015, or the water resources reform bill (WRRDA) in 2016, we're able to move not just our respective districts, but the entire state's interests forward with major legislation," Woodall continued. "When our delegation speaks with a unified voice, it makes us incredibly effective -- whether on issues of water or surface transportation, and the list goes on and on."

Next on that list for Congress in coming weeks is reauthorization of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as the "21st Century Aviation Innovation, Reform, and Reauthorization (AIRR) Act (H.R. 2997)" moves closer to the finish line. With significant reforms that would inject new innovation and technology into America's Air Traffic Control system, as well as prioritize passenger experience improvements, H.R. 2997 is seen by many as a vehicle to shorter lines and fewer delayed flights at the world's busiest airport, Atlanta's own Hartsfield-Jackson International.

Congressman Woodall represents the Seventh Congressional District of Georgia, which includes the majority of Forsyth and Gwinnett counties, and currently serves as Chairman of the Rules Subcommittee on Legislative and Budget Process, as well as serving on the Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, and Budget Committee.

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