Rep. Negrete McLeod Urges Congress to Find a Long Term Fix to the Highway Trust Fund

Press Release

Today, Rep. Gloria Negrete McLeod (D-Chino) called on Congress to work towards a permanent solution to funding the Highway Trust Fund.

Last Thursday the House Committee on Ways and Means passed a temporary patch to the Highway Trust Fund that will fund the program until early next year.

"I urge Congress take permanent action to ensure long term solvency of the Highway Trust Fund. Investing in transportation and infrastructure is essential in ensuring America remains competitive in a globalizing market," said Rep. Negrete McLeod.

The U.S. Department of Transportation just announced that recent projections show the shortfall will reach a critical point in the Trust Fund's Highway account in just a few weeks. Starting in August, the administration will dramatically revamp and cut back the formula it uses to send transportation funds to the states unless Congress replenishes the Highway Trust Fund. If Congress fails to act, California will see a cut of up to 28 percent in reimbursement for projects already approved and under construction. This will lead to projects being delayed, reduced, or terminated, resulting in layoffs in construction and manufacturing.

"The Highway Trust Fund provides $3.2 billion of funding necessary for building and maintaining California's transportation systems which supports the 8th largest economy in the world. Therefore, it is in California's and the nation's best interest to work towards a long term solution and I call on Congress to consider a multi-year plan to funding the nation's highway infrastructure," concluded Rep. Negrete McLeod.

The Highway Trust Fund was established in 1956 to finance the United States Interstate Highway System, other roads and bridges. It was expanded in 1982 to include mass transit projects.

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